Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene has announced that he is to retire from Test cricket following his country's upcoming series' against South Africa and Pakistan.

Jayawardene has played 145 Tests for his country and is their second most-capped player.

The 37-year-old former captain is also his country's highest Test run scorer and one of the most decorated players in the history of the game.

In a statement on Sri Lanka cricket's official website, Jayawardene said: "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 board also confirmed: "Mahela Jayawardene has tendered his resignation from Test cricket.

"Addressing a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of SLC Mr. Ashley De Silva, Mahela Jayawardene has stated that he would like to retire from Test cricket after the forthcoming Test series against South Africa and Pakistan."