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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Recalled Jayasuriya to retire after England tour
This article was first published 13 years ago

Recalled Jayasuriya to retire after England tour

Last updated on: June 9, 2011 19:23 IST

Image: Sanath Jayasuriya
Photographs: Reuters

Veteran Sri Lanka opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who returned to the one-day and Twenty20 team after more than a year on Thursday, will draw curtains on his over two-decade career after the upcoming series against England.

"I will retire after the England tour from all forms of the game," said the veteran left-hander, who will turn 42 on June 30.

Jayasuriya was picked to replace Upul Tharanga, who is facing disciplinary action for testing positive for a banned substance during the World Cup, in the 16-member squad that will play five one-day internationals and a single T20 international.

'I do not want to be unfair on up-and-coming players'

Image: Sanath Jayasuriya

Now a Member of Parliament for the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance, Jayasuriya was last seen in action in an ODI in India, in 2009, which was abandoned because of a substandard pitch, where he scored 31 runs.

He was overlooked for the World Cup, which he claimed to be one of the biggest disappointments of his 22-year international career.

He said he would play in the T20 game and one of the five one-day internationals, starting June 25.

"I do not want to be unfair on up-and-coming players by trying to play for too long. I will be available to them to share my experience," said Jayasuriya.

444 ODIs, 13,428 runs

Image: Sanath Jayasuriya

Jayasuriya retired from Test cricket in 2007 with 6973 runs in 110 matches at an average of 40. His left-arm spin also came handy for the team as he claimed 98 wickets.

In the 444 ODIs he played before this comeback, the dashing opener scored 13,428 runs, at an average of 32 and strike rate of over 91.

The veteran was left out of the list of 20 players who were offered central contracts by Sri Lanka Cricket in 2010. Though he was named in the provisional squad of 30 for the 2011 World Cup, he did not make it to the final 15.

The iconic batsman was a part of Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning side and instrumental in guiding the team to its maiden trophy.