COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Tillakaratne Dilshan has resigned as Sri Lanka captain following this month’s test and limited-overs series defeats in South Africa.
Sri Lanka Cricket spokesman Brian Thomas said Monday that Dilshan had informed the selection committee of his decision. Former captain Mahela Jayawardene has been named to lead a 15-member squad for a one-day triangular series in Australia during February and March. India is the third team.
It was not immediately unclear if Jayawardene will be retained for all three formats.
Dilshan succeeded Kumar Sangakkara after Sri Lanka lost the World Cup final to India last year. With Sri Lanka in transition, following the retirement of stalwarts like Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilshan had a difficult time as captain — losing all the test series that he captained against England, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa.
His notable achievement was Sri Lanka’s first test win in South Africa at Durban last month.
Dilshan’s resignation comes amid reports of major changes following the defeats, with a new selection committee having already taken over.
A hard-hitting opening batsman with 4,662 runs in tests and 5,896 runs in one-day internationals, Dilshan will continue as a player.
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Sri Lanka squad
Mahela Jayawardene (captain ), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisira Perera, Farveez Maharoof, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayaka, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chanaka Welegedera, Dhammika Prasad.
