'Emotional' Karunaratne sets sights on coaching after Test farewell

Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne bid farewell to international cricket in emotional fashion as his 100th and final Test ended in defeat to Australia in Galle on 4 February.

The veteran opener was given the honour of bowling the last few deliveries before Australia sealed a nine-wicket victory to complete a series sweep before lunch on the fourth day.

"It has been a long career—after my family and friends, I was spending most time with my teammates," Karunaratne said. "I am leaving them, but this team will always be in my heart."

The 36-year-old, who had not scored a century in his last 25 innings, had announced before the second Test that it would be his final appearance in the longest format.

"When I started my cricket, I just wanted to play one Test match," he reflected. "To go on to play 100 Tests was amazing. Playing cricket for so long has been a privilege."

A composed and respected figure at the top of Sri Lanka's order for over a decade, Karunaratne also left his mark as a leader. He took over the captaincy at a turbulent time in 2019 and guided Sri Lanka to a historic Test series victory in South Africa—the only Asian team to achieve the feat.

He stepped down as captain in 2023, saying the time had come for younger players to take charge.

With his playing days behind him, Karunaratne now plans to focus on his family and transition into coaching.

"I intend to take up coaching," he said. "I want to get qualified ... I will start coaching either here or overseas."