The Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene  is to retire from Test cricket.

Addressing a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of SLC Ashley De Silva, Mahela Jayawardene has stated that he would like to retire from Test cricket after the forthcoming Test series against South Africa and Pakistan.

Mahela Jayawardene has stated:

[quote]It was not an easy decision to make given that it has been a great privilege and honour representing my country during the past 18 years, but I believe this is the right time.[/quote]

The former Captain of Sri Lanka reiterated that he is fully committed to playing ODI cricket for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka begin the first of two Tests against South Africa on Wednesday, before they entertain Pakistan in another two-match series.

Jayawardene, who made his debut for his country in 1997, has scored 11,493 Test runs, at an average of 50.18.

His highest score came in Colombo in July 2006, when he made 374 against South Africa, a total which remains the fourth best innings in Test history.

He made a half-century in each of the two Test matches during Sri Lanka’s recent 1-0 series victory in England.

In April, Jayawardene retired from Twenty20 cricket, after helping Sri Lanka win the World T20 title, although he will still be available for next year’s 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

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