Suranga Lakmal signs up with Derbyshire post announcing international retirement

Suranga Lakmal has been a former captain of the Sri Lankan side with three wins in five Tests.

Published - 03 Feb 2022, 18:37 IST | Updated - 03 Feb 2022, 18:37 IST

3 Min Read

Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal, who recently shocked the cricketing world with the announcement of retirement from international cricket after the India tour, has now signed a two-year deal to play County cricket. The 34-year-old will be joining Derbyshire country to reunite with his former national coach Mickey Arthur, who was appointed as the director of the county last year.

Lakmal has been the leader of the bowling attack for a long time now especially in Tests for Sri Lanka, and the right arm seamer has taken 168 wickets in 68 Tests with four five-wicket hauls. His ability to bowl those outswingers up front has been helping the Sri Lankan side immensely over the years and he has been more effective in the overseas conditions where most of the current generation Sri Lankan bowlers have found it difficult.

Suranga Lakmal gives us a whole new dimension with the ball: Mickey Arthur

Arthur heaped praise on the skillset of the Sri Lankan pacer Lakmal and was delighted to have him in the County considering bigger ambitions. He also noted that Lakaml can be a role model to the youngsters on the side and hailed him for the quality he possesses.

“Suranga is among Sri Lanka’s all-time greats with the ball and it’s brilliant to be able to bring him to Derbyshire for the next two seasons, We have big ambitions for the project at Derbyshire, and Suranga’s decision to retire from international cricket and commit to the club shows he’s as excited about those plans as the other players and coaches. He knows my standards and can set the example for our young players on and off the field, and to add his quality to our ranks gives us a whole new dimension with the ball.” Mickey Arthur was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo

Meanwhile, Lakmal had also revealed his long-time goal to take part in County cricket and was happy to be back with his former national coach. He also expressed his gratitude to the Sri Lankan board for backing him over the years having started his international career way back in 2009. Sri Lanka is set to play two Tests and three T20 Internationals in India starting from the 25th of February.

“Experiencing county cricket is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and the chance to work with Mickey again was something I couldn’t turn down. I’ve loved every second of my international career, and I would like to thank Sri Lanka for giving me the opportunity to live my dream. Hopefully, I can bring that experience into this new challenge, to help the young bowlers, who are already making an impact at Derbyshire,” Lakmal added.

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