Rangana Herath hoping to take 300 test wickets

Apr 24, 2016 at 12:05 AM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Rangana Herath hoping to take 300 test wickets

Recently retired from the shorter format of the game, Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath said he is glad that he ended up as a spinner and not a fast bowler considering he had surgery on his knees a few years ago which could have shortened his career.

A long-time injury to both his knees had forced him to opt out of several limited-overs series in the last couple of years and in order to extend his test career the spinner decided to retire from other formats.

It was fine for the first few years or so, but with the extra workload of playing international cricket, the pains to both knees started to come back, especially when I am running,” Herath said on Saturday (April 23). “I have managed to continue playing by taping my knees. I was
not 100% certain of being fit to play in all three formats, that’s why I decided to stick to Test cricket, a pace at which I can manage my legs. I am lucky that I didn’t end up as a fast bowler because my career wouldn’t have lasted this long.”

Speaking about his aims and goals in his remaining career the spinner said,”I have not set any goals for myself. Whenever I have played for my country, I have always wanted to see how best I could contribute to winning,” he said. “That has been my approach all the time. It would be a big achievement if I can get to 300 Test wickets, but after that, I don’t see any goals that I can pursue.

“There are about ten Tests lined up for this year and I’ve decided that I can manage myself and my knees playing in that format rather than the hustle and bustle of one-day cricket.”

After making his test debut in 1999, Herath took almost ten years to cement his place in the national team.
When I was dropped from the side, I never gave up hope. I knew I had the skill to play for the national team and kept on performing at a domestic level,” he said. “The national selectors thought that I was good enough and persisted with me for virtually all the matches played
by the Sri Lanka A team. That gave me hope that one day I would be considered to play in the senior side.”
Speaking on Sri Lanka’s recent struggle on the field after the retirement of senior players like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, the spinner expressed his faith in the youngsters.

You don’t need one bowler to run through the entire opposition,” he said. “We still have quality fast bowlers and spinners who can take 20 wickets to win a Test match.

“We have plenty of good spinners around, like Dilruwan Perera, Tharindu Kaushal, Sachithra Senanayake and Jeffrey Vandersay, but they need to be given a consistent run in the national team. That is how they will gain the confidence to bowl under pressure and under different conditions and situations and win matches for us. I will certainly want to share my experience and help young spinners and contribute in whichever way I can.”

Speaking about his life post-retirement, Herath said, “I am still employed with Seylan Bank and have some years to serve with them. I am lucky to have an employer like Seylan Bank who has never questioned my position even on occasions when I had not been part of the national team.”

Related Article
Matheesha Pathirana Ruled Out Of ODI World Cup 2023; Sri Lanka To Ask For Replacement- Reports
Matheesha Pathirana Ruled Out Of ODI World Cup 2023; Sri Lanka To Ask For Replacement- Reports

Oct 23, 2023, 3:26 PM


NED vs SL Match Prediction – Highest Scorer and Wicket takers, Match 19, ICC World Cup 2023
NED vs SL Match Prediction – Highest Scorer and Wicket takers, Match 19, ICC World Cup 2023

Oct 21, 2023, 1:40 PM


ODI World Cup 2023: Maheesh Theekshana Fit And Available For Sri Lanka’s Next Game, Confirms Batting Coach
ODI World Cup 2023: Maheesh Theekshana Fit And Available For Sri Lanka’s Next Game, Confirms Batting Coach

Oct 9, 2023, 5:16 PM


Sri Lanka Squad For The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023; Wanindu Hasaranga Named As Well  
Sri Lanka Squad For The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023; Wanindu Hasaranga Named As Well  

Sep 26, 2023, 3:54 PM


Asia Cup 2023:  Watch- Mohammed Siraj Picks 6/21 As Sri Lanka Blown Away For 50 In Asia Cup Final
Asia Cup 2023:  Watch- Mohammed Siraj Picks 6/21 As Sri Lanka Blown Away For 50 In Asia Cup Final

Sep 17, 2023, 5:28 PM


West Indies And Sri Lanka Slotted In Opposite Groups As ICC Announces Schedule For ODI World Cup Qualifiers
West Indies And Sri Lanka Slotted In Opposite Groups As ICC Announces Schedule For ODI World Cup Qualifiers

May 23, 2023, 5:02 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner