Tillakaratne quits as Lankan captain

Colombo:

Hashan Tillakaratne quit as Sri Lankan cricket captain today, immediately after Australia beat his line-up in Colombo to become the first touring team to sweep a three-Test series in Sri Lanka. Tillakaratne had been under intense pressure after losing the first two Tests at Galle and Kandy as Sri Lanka slumped to its first Test series loss at home since 2001. But the 36-year old lefthander salvaged his batting position with an unbeaten 74 in the first innings in the third Test at Sinhalese Sports Club. After his dismissal for 17 in the second innings, Sri Lanka lost four wickets for four runs and was all out for 248 chasing 370 to win. "It's high time someone else took over. I want to concentrate on my batting ... I am still available for selection. I don't want to block opportunities for someone who wants to be the captain," he said. Tillakaratne's only win in 11 matches was the series deciding third Test against England in December. He was involved in four losses and six draws. (AP)

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