With former captains Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara announcing their retirements, many expected another former captain Tillekeratne Dilshan to quit as well. Dilshan is one year older than Mahela and Sanga, but he said that he will continue to play limited overs cricket beyond the World Cup, a move welcomed by his skipper Angelo Mathews.
Dilshan was the star on Tuesday as Sri Lanka completed an 87 run win in the final ODI to secure a 5-2 series win over England. The opener hammered a chanceless century, the 18th of his career and then derailed the England innings picking up three wickets with his off-spin.
Dilshan was in fine form throughout the series as he accumulated 350 runs at an average of 50. He also picked up 12 wickets, the most by a Sri Lankan in the series.
“I haven’t decided on anything as yet. But I am performing well in all three departments and that’s satisfying. I want to continue for two years or so. When I feel that I have had enough I will go. But I haven’t decided to quit T-20s or ODIs,” the 38-year-old, who quit Test cricket last year, told journalists.
Skipper Mathews welcomed the move. “Instead of all three experienced players retiring altogether, it is good to have Dilshan around. In the past few matches he has shown how useful a cricketer he can be in all three departments. The more he grows old he is becoming more and more agile on the field. Dilshan is a good example for everyone if you take his age he is still one of our top players. If he continues with his cricket it will be a big plus for the team,” Mathews said.
Selectors have tried several opening combinations in recent times, but haven’t been able to stick to a particular pair and the World Cup could see the established Mahela Jayawardene partnering him. “We haven’t decided on who is going to be my partner. I am not going to change my style so it doesn’t really affect me as to who is my partner. Kusal Janith is a really good player. He can serve our cricket well but he needs some confidence which will come if he scores some runs. I hope I will get a good partner before too long.”
Dilshan also remains Sri Lanka’s best fielder despite being the oldest member in the side. The commitment several younger players show on the field has been often criticized, but Dilshan said youngsters need support. “Our young players are learning. When I came into the side I also struggled as you are scared to make a mistake. We have to give them confidence as senior players. I talk to them every day on fielding. I always try to enjoy while fielding. I like if all 300 balls come towards me. You can contribute a lot on the field. You can’t be lazy and you have to look forward for each ball to come towards you. Then fielding becomes enjoyable.”
