Russel Arnold to call it quits after World Cup

Arnold, 33, made his debut for Sri Lanka in 1997 in a home Test against Pakistan as a specialist opening batsman, but later he became known for his innings-building and late-over quick scoring in limited-overs matches batting at No 7.

The batsman played in 44 Test matches and scored 1,821 runs, including three hundreds and 10 half-centuries. In 179 one-dayers, Arnold has scored 3,949 runs at an average of 35 runs per innings. He has also bowled occasional off-spin.

The Sri Lankan cricket board, meanwhile, has arranged a red-carpet reception for the national team which has already made it to the World Cup final. Algama said the team will be honoured by army and navy bands at a function even if the team fails to win the final at Kensington Oval, Barbados on Saturday.

Mahela Jayawardene

A career-defining inning at the biggest stage made the Black Caps look like minnows. After starting off extremely cautiously following the early loss of Jayasuriya, the Lankan skipper soon shed all inhibitions to unveil a stunning repertoire of strokes. His impeccable timing, combined with an exceptional ability to find the gaps, cut short New Zealand’s dream run in the Caribbean. “I’d probably put this right at the top,” admitted the Man of the Match Jayawardene.