MUMBAI: Sri Lanka’s retiring batsman Kumar Sangakkara doesn’t want a grand farewell when he plays last Test match of his cricketing career at P. Sara Oval later this month. This was revealed by Sidath Wettimuny, the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) interim committee.
The 37-year-old left-handed batsman who used to keep wickets also, has decided to retire after the second Test match against India (August 20-24). After playing the first two Test matches in this month, he will not be available for the final Test at Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).
“Kumar (Sangakkara) wants a low key farewell”, Wettimuny, speaking exclusively, said from Colombo. “We will discuss with him next week (about his farewell Test celebrations)”, he added.
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 last time in this Test.
“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.”, Chandra Schaffter, one-time president of the Club, which owns the P.Sara Oval, said from Colombo.
“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”, he further added.
Sir Donald Bradman paid visit to this ground in 1948 along with his team, while on their way to England.
