Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga says a lot of his country's cricketers are putting money ahead of nation and should take inspiration from Australian skipper Michael Clarke, who has shunned lucrative Twenty20 events such as the IPL to focus on Tests.

"I'm really impressed with the way Michael Clarke has been captaining," Ranatunga told 'The Herald'. "His passion for cricket, rather than thinking of earning money and focusing on other areas - not only the IPL but all these shorter versions - is admirable. There are lots of cricketers today who will sacrifice their country for money," he added.