Sri Lanka star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga retires from Test cricket

Sri Lanka star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga announced his retirement from Test cricket today, August 15. Notably, the 26-year-old cricketer’s decision to leave the red-ball game was accepted by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. In addition, the right-handed batter has only played four Test matches while accumulating 196 runs with a best score of 59 runs after making his debut on December 26, 2020, against South Africa. Moreover, the leg spinner had also scalped four wickets in his Test career.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has revealed the reason for his Test retirement. Notably, it suggests that the great cricketer wants to shift his focus to the white ball format.

“Sri Lanka Men’s all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has informed Sri Lanka Cricket that he will retire from playing test cricket. Informing his decision, Hasaranga said the reason behind the move is to prolong his career as a limited-overs specialist,” Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Moreover, the CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, Ashley De Silva, has accepted his retirement and believes that the Sri Lanka cricketer will definitely excel in white-ball formats.

“We will accept his decision and are confident that Hasaranga will be a vital part of our white-ball program going forward,” said Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.

Wanindu Hasaranga will be a key player for Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup

In addition, the stylish batter has played 44 ODIs and 55 T20Is while accumulating 768 and 503 runs, respectively. Moreover, the star bowler had grabbed 67 and 91 wickets in ODIs and T20Is, respectively. Notably, his best bowling figures in the 50-over format are 6/24.

Meanwhile, the wicketkeeper batter will be a key player for his side during the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. Notably, the star all-rounder was the highest wicket-taker during the recently concluded Cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe after picking up 22 wickets for his side, which guided his side to seal the top spot in the points table.