Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has revealed that veteran batsman Kumar Sangakkara is still in talks with the national selectors about his Test future.

It is understood that Sangakkara will retire after the first Test against India in August, but Mathews confirmed that the 37-year-old is still brooding about prolonging his career.

“Kumar has still [yet] to confirm his retirement plans,” Mathews told reporters. “He was supposed to meet the press over the last few days, but he has not done that yet. I know he is still talking to the selectors.”

However, Mathews pointed out that Sangakkara should be allowed to retire when he wants and added that it is time for the younger players in the squad to step up.

“He had been speaking with the selectors even before the series began,” Mathews said. “I think Kumar has earned the right to decide when he should go. He has served Sri Lanka well over the years and he will obviously be missed when he goes.

“But it now up to the younger players to step into the shoes of Kumar and Mahela (Jayawardene). It won’t be easy but they have a great opportunity to make a name for themselves.”