- BOWING OUT: Mahela Jayawardene holds his daughter Sansana as his wife Christina Sirisena, left, looks on after victory in the second test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo yesterday PHOTO: LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP
- JOY: Mahela Jayawardene, centre and captain Angelo Mathews celebrate PHOTO: Dinuka Liyanawatte/REUTERS
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COLOMBO - Mahela Jayawardene left the test scene yesterday vowing to devote his energies towards helping Sri Lanka win another 50-over World Cup next year in Australia and New Zealand.

Sri Lanka last won the World Cup in 1996 and were beaten in the final in 2007 and 2011.

The 37-year-old Jayawardene ended his test career on a high as his team beat Pakistan by 105 runs to take the two-match series 2-0.

"Right now I don't have any plans and I've not signed any contracts," he said. "It all depends on what kind of interest I get in the next six months or so.

"For me right now the thing is to get myself motivated for the next World Cup, to get myself fit and ready. I can't guarantee I will be part of the squad but my focus will be to try to get another winner's medal."

Right-hander Jayawardene, who compiled 11814 runs at an average of 49.84 in his 149 tests, said the most treasured moment of his 17-year international career was getting his hands on his first cap.

He made his debut against India in Colombo in 1997 in a match where Sri Lanka amassed the highest total in test cricket - 952/6.

"The best day of my life was receiving my first test cap from captain Arjuna Ranatunga," said Jayawardene. "I place a huge value on that cap. I feel very honoured to wear this cap and it's not an easy thing to let go."

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