Thank you all for your support, says jayawardene

An emotional Mahela Jayawardene ended his glittering, 17-year Test career on a high Monday as Sri Lanka won the second and final Test against Pakistan by 105 runs to sweep the series 2-0. The 37-year-old was hoisted onto his teammates’ shoulders for a lap of honour after the tourists, who resumed their second innings at 127-7 chasing a target of 271, were shot out for 165 before lunch on the fifth day.

The former Test captain, who had retired from Twenty20 internationals after Sri Lanka’s title-winning campaign in the World T20 in April, will now play only one-day cricket heading into next year’s World Cup. ‘I don’t know what to say, but I promise I won’t cry. I love you all. Thank you so much for the support all these years. I still have a little bit left and I promise I’ll give it my all for the World Cup.

Thanks also to my team-mates. It’s been great to play for Sri Lanka for so many years. I have always worn this cap with pride and passion,’ Jayawardene said. Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq described Jayawardene as a legend whose absence in the Test arena will be felt by all. ‘Not only Sri Lankans, fans all over the world are going to miss him. I really wish him best of luck in life. He is really a legend,’ Misbah said.