Chaminda Vaas Retired From Test Cricket - De Mel

Colombo: Chaminda Vaas has decided to retire from Test cricket, according to Sri Lanka's chief selector Ashantha de Mel. Vaas, 35, had previously said he had his sights set on the 2011 World Cup and his decision to quit the five-day game means the end of a successful 15-year Test career.

"Chaminda has told me he does not want to play Test cricket anymore, but he will continue in the shorter formats," de Mel, a former Sri Lankan fast bowler, said.

Vaas, a 110-Test veteran, was overlooked for the Test series against Pakistan which began at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.

The selectors did not pick him even after spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan was ruled out of the first Test due to a knee injury, leaving the Sri Lankan attack short of experience.

Vaas, who made his Test debut against Pakistan at Kandy in 1994, claimed 354 wickets at an average of 29.40 with 12 five-wicket hauls and twice took 10 wickets in a match.

He also has 400 wickets from 322 one-day internationals, including a hat-trick off the first three balls of the match against Bangladesh during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

De Mel, asked if Vaas will be picked in the one-day team after being ignored for the World Twenty20 in England last month, said no player could be guaranteed a place in the side.

The news comes a day after Sri Lanka's new captain, Kumar Sangakkara, strongly suggested that Vaas - overlooked for the two Tests against Pakistan - would give up at least one form of the game.

Vaas has picked up 354 wickets in 110 Tests.