Jayawardene hints at playing 2015 World Cup

The former Lanka captain to play final ODI at home against England on Tuesday

Making it obvious that he will retire after the 2015 World Cup, former Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene revealed on social media on Monday that the seventh and final ODI against England on Tuesday will be his last on home turf.

"Going for my last practice session with the boys at home. Going to have some fun," the 37-year-old tweeted.

His indication of retirement after the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand came just two days after his best friend and teammate Kumar Sangakkara bade farewell to his fans in Kandy – his last ODI appearance in his hometown.

In the post match press conference, Sangakkara said he was to retire after the World Cup.

Jayawardene, who retired from Test cricket in August, is to play in the seven-match ODI series in New Zealand leading to the World Cup starting February 14.

Sangakkara however has not made his plans clear for his immediate Test future.

Jayawardene has just two half-centuries in the current series, having skipped the third game because it clashed with his daughter's first birthday.

In the last game he opened the batting, a role he has been urging the selectors to grant him during the 50-over showpiece event.

Despite failing in the last ODI against England, Jayawardene has starred for Sri Lanka in the openers’ role.

He has led Sri Lanka from the front, scoring heavily in the T20 World Cup held in the West Indies and at home ODIs in the past.

Image: Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene

Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images