by Roshen Steelman - The Island
Sri Lanka veteran opening batsman said yesterday he will retire from all forms of International cricket after Sri Lanka’s first ODI against England(Pic by Pradeep Jayasekara)
Sri Lankan veteran opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya in media briefing yesterday, announced that he will retire from all forms of International matches after the first One Day International against England which will get under way later this month.
"I called all of you here to inform my retirement from all forms of cricket after 20 years of play" said Jayasuriya who retired from Tests in 2007.
He further added saying "I will retire after playing a T-20 and a ODI game in the England Series"
moreWhen asked what he will regret in his 20 years of career he replied saying "I will regret about dropping me in the last World Cup. Selectors said that they chose the best fifteen but I was among the runs in the inter-Provincial Tournament" told Jayasuriya
When asked about happiest moment in his career he replied saying 96 world cup victory is his happiest moment in his career.
When I talked about his future plans he said "I am a member of parliament and I will try to do my best for people in Matara and at the same time if the opportunity arose I will do the best for Sri Lanka Cricket" said Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya last played in an ODI for Sri Lanka in 2009 and was left out of the list of 20 players who were offered central contracts by Sri Lanka Cricket in 2010. Though he was named 30-member squad for the 2011 World Cup, he did not make the final 15.
Jayasuriya is the only player to score more than 13,000 runs and capture more than 300 wickets in One Day International cricket. He is also regarded by many critics and experts as one of the best all rounder in to play the game.
Sanath Jayasuriya used to hold a very unique record almost never to be achieved by a single cricket player. He held the fastest fifty fastest 100 and fastest 150 in ODI cricket. Though he lost the fastest 100 to Shahid Afridi, he still holds the other two records.
Jayasuriya first came to the show when him self along with his opening partner Romesh Kaluwitharana revolutionized One Day International batting with his aggressive tactics during the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The tactic used was to take advantage of the early fielding restrictions by lofting the ball over the in fielders, rather than the established tactic of building up momentum gradually. This was match-winning tactic at that time and Sri Lanka went on to win the World Cup with out single defeat in the entire tournament. This opening batting strategy established by Jayasuriya created a modern era in Limited over cricket.
