In the chaos, where earlier Chaminda Vass had resigned from the post of Sri Lanka fast-bowling coach due to personal reasons between him and Sri Lanka Cricket boards, the day before. Here is the other news from the Sri Lanka Cricket team about another player of their golden era in cricket. The left-handed batsman Upul Tharanga has decided to announce his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age 36.
After playing for 15-long years, the former opening batsman of Sri Lanka used his twitter account to thanks his fans and friends, "As the good old saying goes "All good things must come to an end", I believe it is time for me to bid farewell to my International Cricket Career after over 15 years of giving the game my all," Tharanga wrote in his retirement statement on Twitter.
“I leave behind a road traveled with fond memories and great friendships. I am thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket for always having faith and the trust vested in me. I am grateful to the many Cricket Loving Fans, friends and my family for standing by me during my highest of highs and even at my lowest points in my career.”
“Your well-wishes and messages of encouragement were easily the drive behind my ambition. For that I thank you call, and I wish you well. I would like to wish Sri Lanka Cricket all the very best for the future and I am hopeful that the team will bounce back strong soon.”
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The part-time wicket-keeper batsman made his limited overs cricket debut against West Indies in 2005. Tharanga has been more successful in ODI cricket with 6951 runs in 235 games at an average of 33.74 which included 15 centuries and 37 half-centuries. While he made his test cricket debut against team India in 2005 and also featured in his last test match against same opposition in 2017.
In 21 tests, Tharanga has scored 1754 runs at an average of 21.89 which included 3 centuries and 8 half-centuries. As a captain, Tharanga has been more successful in T20l format Cricket where Sri Lanka has won 3 games out of the 6 under his captaincy stint and scored 407 runs in 26 T20ls. While in ODI cricket, the left-handed batsman has led his team on 20 occasions but only able to win four games which is due to poor team performances.
"Upul Tharanga has done a tremendous service as a player to Sri Lanka Cricket during his long career and has been an integral part of the National Team during its many achievements,'' said Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Here is that record partnership of 286 runs off 201 between Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya against England which gives the brief how great this left-handed batsman was –
