Leading left arm wicket taker Rangana Herath has decided to call it quits after the upcoming home series against England in November.
The aged hero of Sri Lanka had once again proven why he is the best in the business by taking 6 key wickets in the final innings against South Africa and sweeping the series by 2-0 in favor of the host nation.
Explaining his delight after winning against the World number 2 side – South Africa, here’s what he had to say .
"Very pleased with winning the game and winning the series against the number two side. Wherever you go and take wickets, you like the ground. I like Galle and SSC as hunting grounds. The harder ball gives a bit of assistance for the spinners. There was not much spin as the ball got softer, but we bowled well throughout the series."
When asked about his decision of hanging his boots after the forthcoming series versus England, Herath had a simple reply.
"Everybody has a time to go and that's why I have decided to stop playing cricket. There is one more series to go (against England). Hope to do well."
Looking back at the Herath’s illustrious career, the man has taken a total of 430 wickets in 92 games which rank him number 9 in terms of wickets tally. The spin ace has collected up to 34 five wicket hauls which lands him the 5th spot in that category, right behind greats such as Anil Kumble (35), Sir Richard Hadllee (36), Shane Warne (37) and his former partner in crime Muttiah Murlitharan with an eye boggling 67 five- fors.
The veteran’s farewell series will begin from November 6 at Galle followed by the second test at Kandy, and then finally at the Sinhalese Cricket Ground in Colombo. Sri Lankan cricket is remembered due to the imprints left by Greats such as Murlitharan, Chaminda Vaas, and Sanath Jayasurya. Sri Lankan cricket and the rest of the world will always recognize Rangana Herath as a soldier working in the shadows and picking bundles of wickets for his country through his rippers and darters with that golden left arm of his, as we say goodbye to his cricketing career.