Sri Lanka’s retiring batsman Kumar Sangakkara doesn’t want a grand farewell when he plays last Test at P. Sara Oval later this month.
The 37-year-old left-handed batsman has decided to retire after the second Test match against India (August 20-24). After playing the first two Test matches he will not be available for the final Test at Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).
“Kumar (Sangakkara) wants a low key farewell,” said Sidath Wettimuny, the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) interim committee. “We will discuss with him next week (about his farewell Test celebrations).”
As Kandy is not hosting Sangakkara’s farewell Test, his parents, relatives and friends, living in Kandy, are certain to arrive in time to see him play Test cricket for the final time.
“SLC will organise several forms of celebrations starting from day one until the final day, apart from decorating the ground with Sangakkara’s cut outs, sending him messages, obtaining signatures etc,” said Chandra Schaffter, one-time president of the Club, which owns the P.Sara Oval. “Kumar Sangakkara’s record too is exceptional, and perhaps he is by far the greatest runs scorer produced by this country, or in most other countries. It is therefore fitting that he plays his last Test Match on the ground where Bradman also played.”
Sir Donald Bradman paid visit to this ground in 1948 along with his team, while on their way to England.
