Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has opted to conclude his Test career in favor of his flourishing white-ball prospects. He is internationally recognized as one of the premier spinners in the realm of limited-overs cricket and has affiliations with various franchises worldwide, in addition to his representation of the national team.
In earlier reports, Hasaranga communicated his inclination to exclusively engage in white-ball cricket to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), underscoring his commitment to excel in these formats for the national squad moving forward. The board has duly endorsed his decision, formally marking his departure from Test cricket.
Mr. Ashley De Silva, the CEO of SLC, issued a statement on Tuesday, affirming, “We acknowledge and respect his choice, and we are confident that Hasaranga will continue to be an integral asset within our white-ball initiatives in the future.”
Hasaranga’s Test track record pales when juxtaposed with his accomplishments in white-ball cricket over his relatively short career span. His Test debut against South Africa in 2020 marked the beginning of a stint encompassing four Tests, the most recent of which was against Bangladesh in 2021.
In these four appearances, he secured a mere four wickets at an average of 100.75. In contrast, his performance in 44 first-class matches since 2016 has yielded an impressive tally of 102 wickets.
The virtuosity that Hasaranga displays in white-ball cricket reached unprecedented heights as he ascended to the top rank as the T20 International bowler subsequent to a triumphant individual campaign in the T20 World Cup 2022. His standing as Sri Lanka’s premier bowler in this format endures, positioned at the esteemed third rank behind Rashid Khan and Josh Hazlewood.
