Jayasuriya to stay on until after New Zealand tour

Sanath Jayasuriya has been persuaded retain the captaincy until after New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka.

Jayasuriya had officially tendered his resignation on Saturday night after four years in charge.

However, he was subsequently been asked to lead the side during the forthcoming Sharjah Cup and New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka that follows.

The 33-year-old agreed to do so but is expected to hand over the leadership to Marvan Atapattu before Sri Lanka's tour of West Indies in July.

Charnika Munasinghe, the Cricket Board's media manager, confirmed on Sunday that Jayasuriya will stay on: "Sanath has agreed to carry on with the captaincy."

On Saturday, Jayasuriya had announced: "I have tendered my resignation. I have given the selectors the chance to opt for a new captain with the 2007 World Cup in mind."

But both the selectors and Johnston Fernando, the Sports Minister, asked him to re-consider.

On Sunday, Fernando said: "I appreciate Sanath's freedom to send in his resignation. The authorities also have the freedom to reject or accept it."

Jayasuriya was appointed captain after the sacking of Arjuna Ranatunga in 1999. He led the side to a record 10 consecutive Test victories in 2002.