Jayasuriya eyes a memorable exit from test cricket
Associated Press, Sun April 2, 2006 06:57 EDT . KRISHAN FRANCIS - Associated Press Writer - KANDY, Sri Lanka - (AP) Sri Lanka - 's prolific batsman Sanath Jayasuriya said he wants to finish his test cricket career on a high note in front of a home crowd when he takes the field for a last time Monday in the second test against Pakistan. ``I like to finish it off with the people in Sri Lanka - ,'' said Jayasuriya adding that he has been receiving regular calls from fans who want him not to leave, after a career spanning 15 years.
Stand-in skipper Mahela Jayawardene said his players are keen to give Jayasuriya a fitting farewell with a good performance.
``Let's see whether we can give him something memorable on the fifth day of the test match,'' Jayawardene said while practicing at the Asgiriya Stadium.
``It is definitely going to be an emotional game for most of us, because when we came into the side, Sanath was an elder statesman. He has taught us a lot.''
Jayasuriya on Friday announced plans to retire from tests cricket. However he said he will continue to play limited-overs cricket and be available for selection for the 2007 cricket World Cup in the West Indies.
``It was a sudden decision I took after the first test,'' Jayasuriya said about the drawn match in Colombo.
``I thought I'll give a youngster a chance, we got that chance when we were young. Even though I am fit and performing I thought when the right time comes, I should give a chance to those deserving,'' he said.
I took that decision with positive thinking...so no regrets.''
Jayasuriya, 36, has been Sri Lanka - 's most prolific batsman over the past decade in both tests and limited-overs internationals.
In 101 matches so far, he has scored 6,599 runs at 41 runs per innings with 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries. Jayasuriya has also taken 92 wickets with his left-arm spinners.
Although he started his career on a low note and a limited-overs specialist, Jayasuriya has been a mainstay in the test team since 1995, when his performance peaked.
Jayasuriya's biggest moment in tests came in 1997 when he scored 340 runs in an innings against India and shared 576 runs with Roshan Mahanama (225) the highest ever partnership in tests.
Published: Sun Apr 2 13:55:29 EDT 2006
Associated Press, Sun April 2, 2006 06:57 EDT . KRISHAN FRANCIS - Associated Press Writer - KANDY, Sri Lanka - (AP) Sri Lanka - 's prolific batsman Sanath Jayasuriya said he wants to finish his test cricket career on a high note in front of a home crowd when he takes the field for a last time Monday in the second test against Pakistan. ``I like to finish it off with the people in Sri Lanka - ,'' said Jayasuriya adding that he has been receiving regular calls from fans who want him not to leave, after a career spanning 15 years.
Stand-in skipper Mahela Jayawardene said his players are keen to give Jayasuriya a fitting farewell with a good performance.
``Let's see whether we can give him something memorable on the fifth day of the test match,'' Jayawardene said while practicing at the Asgiriya Stadium.
``It is definitely going to be an emotional game for most of us, because when we came into the side, Sanath was an elder statesman. He has taught us a lot.''
Jayasuriya on Friday announced plans to retire from tests cricket. However he said he will continue to play limited-overs cricket and be available for selection for the 2007 cricket World Cup in the West Indies.
``It was a sudden decision I took after the first test,'' Jayasuriya said about the drawn match in Colombo.
``I thought I'll give a youngster a chance, we got that chance when we were young. Even though I am fit and performing I thought when the right time comes, I should give a chance to those deserving,'' he said.
I took that decision with positive thinking...so no regrets.''
Jayasuriya, 36, has been Sri Lanka - 's most prolific batsman over the past decade in both tests and limited-overs internationals.
In 101 matches so far, he has scored 6,599 runs at 41 runs per innings with 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries. Jayasuriya has also taken 92 wickets with his left-arm spinners.
Although he started his career on a low note and a limited-overs specialist, Jayasuriya has been a mainstay in the test team since 1995, when his performance peaked.
Jayasuriya's biggest moment in tests came in 1997 when he scored 340 runs in an innings against India and shared 576 runs with Roshan Mahanama (225) the highest ever partnership in tests.
Published: Sun Apr 2 13:55:29 EDT 2006