Colombo: There was a thought that after his Asia Cup performances in Pakistan, Sanath Jayasuriya's Test career still had legs to run. Not so, say informed sources.Also, Jayasuriya's own comments were that his Test career was one ready for the record books and that there was no more space left for him in the runs column.
While his teammates were going through a serious practice session at the Sinhalese Sports Club nets here, Jayasuriya was in the gym at Sri Lanka Cricket offices and doing a fitness workout. He is keen to remain fit for the five limited overs matches that follow the three-match Test series starting on Wednesday.
There was a feeling in Colombo during the week and the build-up to the first Test that the selectors may be persuaded to do a team evaluation and do some "arm twisting". But the 39-year-old has his mind set on a new career — as a commentator — and that would open up a new chapter in the Matara Mauler's career.
Whether the India series will be his last ODI is a question only he can answer, but the feeling is that his career as a player will start winding down within the next few months.
Whether there will be the motivation to continue playing against teams such at Zimbabwe is another matter.
Paul Farbrace, Sri Lanka's assistant coach, on Thursday said that Jayasuriya, even for his age, worked hardest in the nets, along with Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas and Kumar Sangakkara.
They are the country's big five and with his experience, Jayasuriya brings a lot of value to the side. But rather than clutter up the nets before the Test series, he is concentrating on his fitness
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