Kumar Sangakkara didn't get a fairytale farewell fit for an all-time great on Monday (August 24), but the cricketer did get a pleasant surprise on the final day of his last Test: the government offered him a role as Sri Lanka's envoy in Great Britain.

Script: SOUNDBITE (English): Kumar Sangakkara, retiring Sri Lankan cricketer:

"Yeah, I think it never hits you until the end comes. And then you finish the cricket and you are up there talking about yourself in the past tense. But the game itself, the preparation was always the same. The focus and then putting the fact that it is my last Test behind me. The emotions used to come at the end of the day, knowing that the countdown had started. But unfortunately we didn't play as well as we could. India played a fantastic game of cricket. But from a personal point of view, I enjoyed every minute of it even though ending up on the losing side is disappointing. I am just very, very glad that I have been fortunate enough to play another Test match."

SOUNDBITE (English): Kumar Sangakkara:

"You know, your last Test match you always remember for various reasons. And a special thank you to Mr Gavaskar (former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar) for those very, very kind words. I mean, I watched him score hundreds against the West Indies in a hat and a little cut-out plastic skull cap. To have a player of his legendary ability, to say what he said, I am very, very grateful. And to everyone who came out and supported me again - the fans and all of you (the media), the teammates, and my family. It is a very memorable Test match.