Lahiru Thirimanne said goodbye to international cricket
It has been almost four years since the ODI was played. He played the last Test, that too almost a year and a half ago. Lahiru Thirimanne seems to have given up the hope of ever returning to the team. Otherwise, say goodbye to international cricket! Today, the 33-year-old Sri Lankan batsman announced his retirement from international cricket with a status on Facebook. The announcement ended the Sri Lankan opener’s 12-year international career.
In a Facebook status today, Thirimanne wrote, ‘It has been an absolute honor for me to represent the country for the past few years. This game has given me so much over the years. With many mixed feelings, I announce my retirement from international cricket. As a player I gave my best, respected the game and I served my motherland with integrity and ethics.’
Thirimanne also said that it was not easy to take the decision to retire despite being out of the team for quite some time. It is also understood that there is some pride in his words, ‘It was a difficult decision. Many unexpected factors, which have influenced me to take this decision willingly or unwillingly, I cannot mention here.’
In 2010, Thirimanne made his debut in international cricket with an ODI against India in a tri-nation tournament in Mirpur, Dhaka. Test debut against England at Southampton the following year. Thirimanne has scored 2088 runs at an average of 26.43 in 85 innings of 44 Tests for the country, his runs are 3194 at an average of 34.71 in 127 ODIs. After his debut in 2012, he has played only 26 T20s, 291 runs at an average of 16.16, and a strike rate of 108.98. Also led Sri Lanka in 5 ODIs.
Thirimanne thanked everyone who stood by his side during an era-long career, saying, ‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sri Lankan board members, my coaches, teammates, physios, trainers and analysts for their support and encouragement. Thanks also to my fans, supporters, journalists for the love, support and inspiration they have given me over the years. I am eternally grateful to everyone.’
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