I don’t want to continue after this tour-Mahela

By Sunil

13 December 2012 03:28 am - 31 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed he will step down after this summer's tour of Australia, media reports said today.

Jayawardene, who was re-appointed as captain for a 12-month period in January, announced on Thursday, the eve of the first test against Australia, that he won't seek another stint in the job.

Jayawardene, who led Sri Lanka to the 50-overs World Cup final in 2007, agreed to take over the captaincy for a second spell in place of opener Tillakaratne Dilshan earlier this year.

"I don't want to continue to captain after this tour so this will be my last. I hope I don't get any more SOS calls from them," Jayawardene told reporters in Hobart.

"It's been great, I've enjoyed the last year and what I've achieved but we need to move on to a younger leader. It's best that we get a new player in while the senior guys are still around so we can help him out in building a team."

Jayawardene said his choice to succeed him as skipper would be 25-year-old Mathews, who has matured into a world class all-rounder over the last couple of years.

"Angelo is the one everyone has earmarked, and I think he is good enough," Jayawardene added.

"Maybe the first few years will be tough for him but they'll grow into the job. If Angelo gets the opportunity, I think it will be easier for him if he has (the senior players) around him and we can build him through those tough periods."

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Comments - 31

Jagath Leanage Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:21 AM

We would have won T20 finals under your captaincy, had some VIP s' stayed at home.

Mohamed Friday, 14 December 2012 01:03 PM

Anjalo may be good leader but injrery is the big issue,Must have a young stedy vice captain.

Mohamed Friday, 14 December 2012 12:53 PM

100% correct my friend,Arjuna is the best,No 2is Mahela,No 3 warnapura.............................................Last Jaysooriya.

msm Friday, 14 December 2012 12:00 AM

mahela we love captaincy via DM Android App

rosa Thursday, 13 December 2012 12:12 PM

I remember I listened to the cricket commentary by Palitha Perera in 1997 when Mahela came to bat at Keththaraama stadium in his debut match Palitha said here comes "Naalandayee Udaa Tharuwa" and Mahela stood up to Palitha's words. Great Mahela, Best wishes.

maharaja Thursday, 13 December 2012 09:15 AM

me too.

antharepora Thursday, 13 December 2012 08:52 AM

This is same as to what was said when Sanga resigned. He suggested Dilshan is the best. Then they cut the throat.

sach Thursday, 13 December 2012 08:08 AM

he shouldnt have made this remark at the beginning of a series.

willows Thursday, 13 December 2012 07:40 AM

You are the best after Arjuna, good luck pal.

jayantha silva Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:51 AM

I think they are all getting tired of the involvement of thugs and rackateers in sport. One of the greatest Sri Lankan bats of all time.

Lal Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:43 AM

Mahela has been a great leader and an inspiration to all young cricketers in this country. He is second to none! Please look at records and Mahela is proved to be the beat captain that Sri Lanka has ever produced. We cannot do anything over your decision to step down from the captaincy, but please continue to play in the national side until you are able to do so. Hats off to you and your commitments, integrity and sportsmanship towards this noble game.

surain Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:34 AM

I always admire Mahela, Sanga, Grate Aranvinda, Murali as professional cricketors produced by my motherland

FancisFrancis Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:31 AM

Either import a captain from overseas or bring back Chaminda waas

Abdul rauf Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:32 AM

Another Mahela or Sanga needed for our team in future. If not the world will forget us, Think Mathews and newcomers will do the same thing for our country. Good bless Mahela & Team :)

jan Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:28 AM

Good. your mind is clear now, lets perform well in the tests

anura Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:19 AM

Mahela, you should not have taken up this issue now just at the beginning of the tour as it upset the team preparation. You have told that you want to step down, so do it without a fuss first thing when you go home to Sri Lanka without waiting till the beginning of another important tour.

afran Thursday, 13 December 2012 12:00 AM

smart decision via DM Android App

rav Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:19 AM

no payment...

Jagath Leanage Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:17 AM

You are the best captain after Arjuna. Your captaincy is maevelous. We miss you. Good luck for your future.

Ravid Thursday, 13 December 2012 12:00 AM

Who could be ur predecessor???good move

Silas Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:11 AM

The second best captain Sri Lanka has ever produced!..after Arjuna of course...and the second best batsman the country has ever produced...after Aravinda...take a bow sir!

Hafiz Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:09 AM

A good decision. and so his recommendation.

Perali Murali Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:04 AM

Seeing is believing. So lets wait and see if you will give chance to the younger crowd.

Dylan Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:44 AM

Dear Mahela,

Thank you for a job well done even during your second stint and have no doubt that you will be a great support to the new incoming captain Angelo Mathews.

With you and the family all the god's blessings

Dera Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:44 AM

Mahela J; for me you're one of the best ever cricketers and captains produced by our country. What I can't understand is how certain fellows (who doesn't even know the shape of the cricket ball) from the general public question some of your strategies during some WC finals. Hats off for the service you've rendered..

saman Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:39 AM

I wish our politician will learn a lesson from this. Once your time is up, step out! Well done Mahela.

Roshan Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:36 AM

Yes, step down from the captaincy now and after one year you will be asked to captain again.

Gihan Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:19 AM

What ever said and done you are the best ever this country had after Arjuna, Thanks for the service you have done and we love to see you Sang and Dilshan play till next WC.

All the best wishes to Angi as well to steady the ship.

Abdul Gaffoor Thursday, 13 December 2012 12:00 AM

Mahela, you have done so much to Sri Lanka cricket. I respect your decisions. via DM Android App

Managala Thursday, 13 December 2012 12:00 AM

Reason behind their failure is not Mahela's captaincy it is IPL that sucks their team spirit

Al Rasa Thursday, 13 December 2012 03:52 AM

Mahela you have done more good to Sri Lanka cricket but done few bad things which caused heavy losses to the team especially in few finals (World cups and T20s) However we salute you for your tremendous contribution and you deserve to be in Sri Lankan cricket as long as possible.

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I don’t want to continue after this tour-Mahela

Comments - 31

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