Jayawardene to retire from Tests next month

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will retire from Test cricket following the home series against South Africa and Pakistan, the country's cricket board said on Monday.

"It was not an easy decision to make given that it has been a great privilege and honour representing my country during the past 18 years, but I believe this is the right time," the 37-year-old said in a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket.

The stylish right-handed batsman has played 145 Tests and his 11,493 runs shares sixth spot, along with compatriot Kumar Sangakkara, on the list of highest scorers in the longest format of the game.

He has scored 33 Test centuries and enjoys a batting average of a little more than 50 runs per innings.

Jayawardene will, however, continue play the 50-over format for Sri Lanka, making himself available for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The island nation will host South Africa in a two-Test series starting on Wednesday before another two-match series against Pakistan next month.