Dimuth announces retirement after landmark Test

Rex Clementine in Galle

Dimuth Karunaratne, one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable openers, has announced that he will hang up his boots after the second Test against Australia in Galle – his 100th Test match. The 36-year-old will walk away from the game as Sri Lanka’s most prolific opening batsman, amassing 7,172 runs, the fourth-highest tally by a Sri Lankan in Test cricket.

A run machine in his prime, Karunaratne was the rock at the top of the order for over a decade. However, his recent form suggested that Father Time was beginning to bowl a few unplayable deliveries. He has gone 25 innings without a century, managing just five half-centuries in that stretch – an uncharacteristic lean patch for someone known for his consistency.

“As a kid, my only dream was to play just one Test match. Reaching 100 Tests is something truly special. But as you may have heard, this will also be my last,” Karunaratne told journalists on the eve of the Test match.

“To be honest, I initially wanted to play the two Test matches against Bangladesh later this year before making a decision. But when you are part of the World Test Championship cycle, you have to take stock of things and make a call at the right time. I’m at peace with my decision,” he added.

Renowned for his cool-headed approach and affable nature, Karunaratne also proved to be a shrewd leader. Taking over the captaincy at a turbulent time in 2019, he steadied the ship and led Sri Lanka for three years, with the crowning jewel of his tenure being the historic series win in South Africa. To this day, Sri Lanka remain the only Asian team to conquer the Proteas in their own backyard – a feather in Karunaratne’s cap.

“You always set goals in life, and the beauty of the game is that you chase your dreams, though you may not achieve all of them. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career – it’s been a fantastic journey. Now, it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation. There are so many talented young players waiting in the wings,” Karunaratne remarked.

“Back in 2017, when I hit a rich vein of form, I thought I could push towards 10,000 Test runs. But then came COVID, and in recent years the opportunities to play Test cricket became scarce. That’s something that I regret,” he admitted.

Karunaratne isn’t planning to step away from the game entirely. Instead, he has already started his second innings – as a coach.

“I’ve begun my coaching journey, and once this series is over, I’ll head to Australia to complete my Level II and Level III coaching certifications. Then, I want to come back and contribute to Sri Lankan  cricket as a coach,” he revealed.