Colombo: Sri Lanka’s veteran spinner Rangana Herath on Sunday announced his retirement from T20 and One-Day International (ODI) cricket.
In a letter addressed to Sri Lanka Cricket, Herath said he would like to concentrate on Test cricket "which has always been my personal passion". He went on to say: "Every cricketer has to stop at the right time. I feel it’s time to make room for fresh talent to be groomed with the 2019 World Cup in view."
With a career best of 9/127 against Pakistan in 2014 in Tests, 4/20 against India in 2013 in One-days and 5/3 (T20I) against New Zealand at the WorldT20 in 2014, Herath has been an integral part of the Sri Lanka bowling arsenal where his brilliant accuracy and subtle variation in pace and flight made him a force to reckon with both at home and away.
Herath has so far played 67 Tests, claiming 297 wickets. He stops his limited overs career after picking up 74 wickets in 71 ODIs and 18 wickets in 17 T20 Internationals.
Herath described his uncomplicated style In a recent interview with Wisden during the recent World T20 in India, by saying, "Wherever I go, I try not to change anything. I give the ball air and try to get the batsmen out."
"I figure out the conditions -- I have faith in me that I can adjust with the conditions -- a philosophy he is likely to share with the younger generation."
Sri Lanka Cricket wished Herath nothing but the best as he continues to play cricket in his chosen discipline, and in all future endeavours.
