Sanath quits as SL captain

After the pre-Sharjah Cup saga of whether or not Sanath Jayasuriya would step down from the captaincy of Sri Lanka, he has confirmed that he will only continue in his playing capacity in the future.

"He handed over a letter to me this morning and I have informed the chairman of selectors. The selectors will have to make the decision as to whether to accept his resignation", confirmed Anura Tennekoon, the Chief Executive of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board (BCCSL).

"I was asked to continue for Sharjah but after this they will have to find someone else to do the job. I have made my decision and I will continue as a player. After the World Cup I thought the time had come to groom someone for the 2007 World Cup", said Jayasuriya

"My personal thinking is that Marvan should take over - he has a lot of experience and has been vice-captain for some time now."

However, it's uncertain whether Atapattu has the "people skills" to lead the side effectively. Personally, I think Sri Lankan 'A' captain Thilan Samaraweera would be the right choice.

Jayasuriya has played 76 tests, 38 as captain, scoring 4,789 runs at 41.28, with a highest score of 340 against India, and taking 69 wickets at 32.72. He has also played 300 ODIs, scoring 9,029 runs at 31.12 and taking 246 wickets at 35.87.

As captain, he led Sri Lanka to nine consecutive Test wins over the winter of 2001/02.

Posted by Neil