Sri Lanka pacer Dhammika Prasad announces retirement from international cricket

Sri Lanka fast bowler Dhammika Prasad has brought down curtains on his career in international cricket. The 37-year old announced his decision on Thursday (February 18). Prasad ended his international career after representing his country in 25 Tests, 24 ODIs as well as one T20I since making his debut in international cricket in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2006.

Two years later, he made his Test debut against India in Colombo while his solitary appearance in T20Is came against Australia in 2011. The right-arm fast bowler picked up 75 wickets in Tests and 35 in ODIs. Prasad’s last appearance in international cricket came in 2015, the year which turned out to be a breakthrough for him.

In nine Tests that year, Prasad took 41 Tests including 15 in 3 Tests against India as he finished among the top-10 wicket-takers of the year. But things did not unfold in an expected manner for Prasad after the fruitful year. He was sidelined with a serious shoulder injury and had to undergo surgery. Following the surgery, he never really managed to get his mojo back.

Prasad’s finest moment in international cricket came in England when he helped his country to a historic Test series win. In the 2014 Headingley Test, he had picked up 5 for 90 in the second innings to inspire Sri Lanka to their first-ever Test series win in England.

Dhammika Prasad to continue playing in domestic cricket

While Dhammika Prasad has retired from international cricket, he has no desire of giving up on all forms of cricket at present. Prasad has decided to continue plying his trade for SSC in domestic cricket. The fast-bowler, who has been playing for SSC since 2002, has a total of 351 first-class wickets from 130 games at an average of 29.1.

“I think this is the correct time for me to retire from international cricket and provide a chance for the youngsters,” Prasad told the Daily News. “I have decided to continue playing domestic cricket and already I have played for 19 years for the SSC giving my best,” added the former schoolboy of De Mazenod College.