Herath retires from ODIs, T20s

Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath has retired from limited-overs cricket, with the aim of focusing solely on the Test format moving forward. 

Herath calls time on a 12-year ODI career and a five-year T20 international career, during which he took a combined 92 wickets (74 in ODIs, 18 in T20Is).

"Every cricketer has to stop at the right time," he said in a letter to Sri Lanka cricket. "I feel it’s time to make room for fresh talent to be groomed with the 2019 World Cup in view."

In a recent interview with Wisden India during the World T20, Herath said the secret to his success was simplicity. 

"Wherever I go, I try not to change anything," he said. "I give the ball air and try to get the batsmen out.

"I figure out the conditions … I have faith in me that I can adjust with the conditions."

Herath was an integral figure in Sri Lanka's 2014 World T20 success, his 5-3 in the semi-final against New Zealand swinging the contest and earning his team a shot at India in the final, in which they were able to send out legendary duo Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara winners in the T20 game. 

The left-arm orthodox spinner played six ODIs in 2004 before experiencing a six-year hiatus from Sri Lanka's ODI team, returning in 2010 and becoming a regular part of the side following the retirement of Muthiah Muralitharan. 

Sri Lanka have a three-Test series against Australia beginning at the end of July, with 38-year-old Herath expected to play an important role for the home side.