Dilshan quits Sri Lanka captaincy

Tillakaratne Dilshan has resigned as Sri Lanka captain after less than a year in the job. Dilshan took over from Kumar Sangakkara last year's World Cup, where Sri Lanka lost in the final to India.

Tillakaratne Dilshan has resigned as Sri Lanka captain after less than a year in the job.

Dilshan took over from Kumar Sangakkara last year's World Cup, where Sri Lanka lost in the final to India.

But his stint in charge was not successful, Sri Lanka suffering Test series defeats in England, at home to Australia and in South Africa.

Sri Lanka also lost the one-day series in South Africa 3-2, victories in the final two dead rubbers not enough to prevent Dilshan tendering his resignation one day after the end of the series.

"T.M. Dilshan sent his resignation from the captaincy of the national team to Sri Lanka Cricket a short while ago," SLC said in a text message alert to its subscribers.

Dilshan’s batting was inconsistent when he captained. In 11 Tests as captain, he averaged 33.60 with one century and four fifties. In 16 ODIs, he crossed 50 just twice while averaging a lowly 17.43.

The highlight of Dilshan’s captaincy was Sri Lanka’s series-levelling Test win over South Africa in Durban, but one success in 11 attempts was a poor record for him.

It has been reported that the captaincy has been offered to former captain Mahela Jayawardene, who has yet to comment.