Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga announces retirement from Test cricket

Wanindu Hasaranga (Pic: AFP)

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga on Tuesday announced his decision to retire from Test cricket as he seeks to shift his focus to the limited-over format of the game.

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said it has accepted the decision of the 26-year-old Hasaranga.

"We will accept his decision and are confident that Hasaranga will be a vital part of our white-ball programme going forward," said SLC CEO Ashley De Silva.

Hasaranga made his Test debut against South Africa at Centurion in 2020, and played three more Tests thereafter.

From four Tests, he took four wickets with his leg-spin. His last Test was against Bangladesh in Pallekele in 2021.

However, Hasaranga continues to be a prominent figure for Sri Lanka in white ball formats as the spin spearhead and a handy lower-order batter.

From 48 ODIs, Hasaranga grabbed 67 wickets and made 832 runs with four fifties. Hasaranga has 91 wickets from 58 T20Is and amassed 533 runs with a fifty.

Also Read: Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga becomes first spinner to take three consecutive 5-wicket hauls in ODIs

The Lankan is also a much sought-after player in various T20 leagues across the world.

Apart from plying his trade with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, Hasaranga has also played for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (CPL), Quetta Gladiators (PSL), Kandy Falcons and Jaffna Kings (LPL), Desert Vipers (IL T20) and Washington Freedom (MLC).

Hasaranga recently registered a remarkable record in his name as he became the first spinner and second overall player in history to take three consecutive 5-wicket hauls in One Day Internationals (ODIs) during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Qualifiers.

(With PTI inputs)