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Rangana Herath contemplating Test cricket retirement in November

Sri Lanka legend Rangana Herath is considering retirement from Test cricket after the conclusion of their home series against England towards the end of the year.

The 40-year-old wizard — the only left-arm spinner to have taken more than 400 Test wickets — has said he is not looking further than the impending home series against South Africa and England to call it quits.

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For a team that has depended heavily on Herath’s ability to run through the oppositions in favourable conditions, it would certainly be a massive blow to their bowling reserves.

South Africa have already arrived in Sri Lanka for a full tour consisting two Tests, five ODIs and one-off T20I. On the other hand, England’s tour of Sri Lanka will take place in October-November this year, which includes five ODIs, one-off T20I and three Tests.

“Maybe my final series will be the England series later in the year. Following this South Africa series, there is another three months until the England series. For now, this is what I’ve planned for,” Herath told BBC Sinhala, according to the ICC official website.

“There comes a time for every cricketer, when they have to stop playing. I think that time has come for me. I’m really glad I’ve been able to play as long as I have,” Herath added.

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In a career spanning close to two decades, Herath has played 90 Tests, 71 ODIs and 17 T20Is claiming 418, 74 and 18 wickets respectively.

Herath has not played limited-overs cricket for more than two years now.

A natural stroke-maker with a penchant of the sweep shot, Herath has three Test fifties to his name.

The bowling spearhead for the island nation who rose to fame post the retirement of the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan, Herath has registered as many as 33 five-fors and nine 10-fors in Test cricket.

Earlier this year in February, he surpassed Pakistan great Wasim Akram to take most wickets for any left-arm bowler in Test cricket history.

Herath has also captained Sri Lanka in five Tests, in which he won three and lost two.

Source: HindustanTimes