LONDON (AP) - Veteran Sri Lankan batsman Aravinda de Silva Friday said he will quit international cricket at the end of the three-test series against England.

The 37-year-old recalled for the current tour after 15 months out of the game, came agonising close to scoring his 20th test century before swing bowler Dominic Cork removed him for 88 in Sri Lanka's formidable 555 for eight declared.

"Anywhere for that matter," the 37-year-old said when asked if this would be his last series.

After discarding him because he was over weight and too slow on the field, the 90-test veteran was given a new lease of life when asked get fit for the current tour.

"It was a pleasant challenge for me to come over. When I got the opportunity, I thought I'll take the challenge," de Silva recalled.

He lost 12 kilograms (1 1/2 stone) to regain match fitness to make the tour and started with three consecutive half centuries in the first three tour matches.

One of the most dangerous batsman the game has ever known, de Silva, was uncharacteristically subdued throughout his 323-minute knock Friday as he was nursed the middle-order.

He built the Sri Lanka first innings in the company of top-scorer Marvan Atapattu (185) and Russell Arnold (50).

De Silva acknowledged the standing ovation as he left Lord's, the venue where he played his first test as an 18-year-old in Sri Lanka's inaugural test in England.

"Knowing that this was the last time I am going to play at Lord's I was determined not to take any risks. I had made a lot of sacrifices to get here in the last few months and I just didn't want to throw it away."

On 48 he became the first Sri Lankan to score 6,000 test runs - 6,040 runs - at an average of 41.62.

His 19 centuries remains the most by a Sri Lankan batsman to add to his 22 half centuries in 154-test innings. His 267 against New Zealand in Wellington in 1991 remained the highest until Sanath Jayasuriya hit 340 against India in Colombo in 1997.

"They are a knowledgeable crowd here and I thought I should salute them. I've enjoy playing in England," the former Kent batsman said. "It was a very emotional moment when I left. England is my second home."

De Silva, who captained Sri Lanka in the 1992 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and on the 1991 test tour here, has also scored 8,430 runs in one-day internationals at an average of 35.13 and remains the sixth highest run-getter.