An opener’s job is the dirtiest in the team – Dimuth

Thursday, 6 February 2025 03:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dimuth Karunaratne addressing the media yesterday

Sri Lanka’s retiring Test cricketer Dimuth Karunaratne addressing the media to announce his retirement and reaching a milestone of playing in 100 Test matches said that the opening batsman’s job was the dirtiest in the team.

“In my opinion the opening batsman is the one who does the dirtiest job in the team. He has to always face the new ball, bowlers when they are fresh, has to open the batting after being 2-3 days on the field, it’s a challenge,” said Karunaratne who will be playing his 100th and last Test for his country in the second Warne-Murali Trophy Test against Australia starting at Galle today.

“One advice that I have insisted to my partners is once you get a start to go and convert it into a big one, rather than leave it to the next player. That is something which I’ve learnt from SSC, from players like Tharanga Paranavithana, Kaushal Silva, Thilan Samaraweera and Thilina Kandamby. They showed me the way. The advice I got from my club helped me a lot.”

Reflecting back on the most memorable moment of his career Karunaratne said, “The best and most memorable moment of my career is captaining the team to win the Test series in South Africa (2-0 in 2019), becoming the first Asian side to win a Test series in South Africa.”

Karunaratne said that he will miss the happy moments shared in the dressing room, a place where he learnt a lot of things which helped him progress in his career.

“With seniors like Sanga, Mahela and Thilan, I grew up with them and learnt a lot, like being patient in Test cricket, winning and losing and sharing the happy moments with my colleagues. Unfortunately, I am going to miss them (emotionally). It’s tough, but I will come back again to serve Sri Lanka cricket and share the moments in the dressing room.”

“In my career I have suffered failures only twice in 2016 and last year, other than that I have performed consistently each year. More than technically, I have to become mentally strong. In that aspect coaches like Harsha de Silva (school coach at St. Joseph’s College), and SSC coaches and past cricketers have helped me at different times like Sidath aiyya (Wettimuny) and Marvan (Atapattu). They have shared their experience with me whenever I had hit a lean patch. Without their advice I don’t think I could have come this far.”

Karunaratne’s immediate plans after retiring is to migrate to Australia and undertake exams at Levels 2 and 3 to qualify as a cricket coach.

“I would like to contribute in some way to cricket. Hopefully I would like to come and serve Sri Lanka cricket or anywhere else as a coach or a mentor.” [ST]

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