Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from Test cricket after his 100th Test match. The former Sri Lanka captain has scored 7,172 runs at an average of 39.40, with 16 centuries and 39 fifties. His recent dip in form and Sri Lanka’s struggles in red-ball cricket contributed to his decision. Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya criticized Sri Lankan batsmen for poor shot selection after a crushing defeat against Australia. The second Test of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy 2025 begins on February 6 and will be Karunaratne’s farewell match.
Key Highlights:
Dimuth Karunaratne Announces Test Retirement:
Sri Lankan cricket will witness the end of an era as former captain Dimuth Karunaratne has declared his retirement from Test cricket. The veteran opener, who has been a pillar of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, will bow out after his 100th Test match against Australia in the ongoing Warne-Muralitharan Trophy 2025.
In a conversation with Daily FT, Karunaratne expressed his gratitude and satisfaction with his career.
“I am pleased with my current accomplishments. I want to announce my retirement with a happy moment like playing in my 100th Test.” – Dimuth Karunaratne
The left-handed batsman, who debuted in 2012, will retire as Sri Lanka’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer, amassing 7,172 runs at an average of 39.40. His tally includes 16 centuries and 39 half-centuries, cementing his place among Sri Lanka’s greatest red-ball cricketers.
Declining Form and Final Test Appearance:
Karunaratne’s retirement decision comes amid a noticeable decline in form. His last Test century came in April 2023 against Ireland, and he has failed to score a fifty in his last seven innings.
His last half-century in Test cricket was against New Zealand in Galle, but since then, his performances have dipped. In his most recent outings, he struggled against South Africa, scoring just 27 runs in two matches, and failed to make an impact against Australia in the first Test, registering scores of 7 and 0.
Despite the team’s struggles, Karunaratne’s farewell match will mark a milestone, as he becomes one of the few Sri Lankan cricketers to reach 100 Test matches.
Warne-Muralitharan Trophy 2025: Sri Lanka’s WTC Standing
The second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia is set to begin on February 6, 2025, marking the final match of the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Currently, Sri Lanka holds the sixth position on the WTC table and will finish fifth regardless of the outcome of the second Test. Although they are out of contention for the final, a victory would be a fitting send-off for Karunaratne’s Test career.
Sanath Jayasuriya Questions Sri Lankan Batsmen’s Approach:
Following Sri Lanka’s crushing defeat by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test, head coach Sanath Jayasuriya publicly criticized the team’s batting.
“There was a serious problem with shot selections, as well as handling situations. Some players have not handled things well. They need to be more mature because they are seasoned athletes.” – Sanath Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya emphasized that the Galle wicket played well and should not be blamed for the poor batting performance.
“This wicket was excellent. We haven’t witnessed such a strong wicket in Galle on the third and fourth days in a long time.”
Sri Lanka struggled in both innings, getting bowled out for 165 and 247, respectively. Australia enforced a follow-on, and the only notable resistance came from Dinesh Chandimal and Jeffrey Vandersay, who scored half-centuries.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s Legacy in Sri Lankan Cricket:
Dimuth Karunaratne’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket are significant. As an opener, he played a crucial role in rebuilding the Test team after the retirements of legends like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.
Karunaratne’s Key Achievements:
- Fourth-highest Test run-scorer for Sri Lanka with 7,172 runs.
- One of the few Sri Lankan players to feature in 100 Test matches.
- 16 Test centuries and 39 half-centuries.
- Led Sri Lanka to historic Test series victories, including their first-ever Test series win in South Africa in 2019.
His ability to anchor the innings in difficult conditions made him a dependable presence at the top of the order.
A Celebrated Career Ends:
Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement will mark the end of an illustrious chapter in Sri Lankan cricket. His departure leaves a significant void in the Sri Lankan Test squad, which will now look for a reliable replacement in the opening slot.
As he prepares to take the field for his 100th and final Test match, fans and teammates will celebrate his resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to Sri Lankan cricket.
The second Test against Australia on February 6, 2025, will not only decide the fate of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy but will also serve as a farewell tribute to one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished Test cricketers.
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