Image: After playing his 100th Test, Dimuth Karunaratne will retire from international cricket / © ESPNcricinfo
In the ongoing Test series against Australia, former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne is set to retire from international cricket after the second Test in Galle, which will be his 100th Test match. The 36-year-old opener has informed Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) of his decision, marking the end of a distinguished career that saw him score 7,172 runs in 99 Tests at an average of 39.40, including 16 centuries.
Karunaratne’s recent form has been a concern, as he managed just seven and zero in the first Test against Australia, following a disappointing South Africa tour where he scored only 27 runs in four innings. His last Test century came in April 2023 against Ireland.
Despite his struggles, Karunaratne’s leadership remains historic, as he was the first Asian captain to win a Test series in South Africa. Leading Sri Lanka in 30 Tests from 2019 to 2024, he secured 12 victories with a 40% win rate. He stepped down as captain in January 2024, passing the reins to Dhananjaya de Silva.
As Sri Lanka faces Australia in Galle, Karunaratne will look to make a memorable exit, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and leadership in Sri Lankan cricket history.