Very happy to pave way for new players to prepare for next World Cup, says Lasith Malinga

The man with the slingy action, known for his toe-crushing yorker and his fancy haircuts, is finally set to exit the stage. Malinga’s illustrious 15-year chapter in the ODI format will come to a close after the first of three matches against Bangladesh at home. He will step down as having climbed to third in the list of all-time ODI wicket-takers for Sri Lanka, behind Muttiah Muralitharan, and Chaminda Vaas. So far, he has 335 scalps to his name.

“I am very happy to leave at this time. This is an opportunity for new players to prove themselves and prepare for the next World Cup,” Malinga told AFP at the team’s final training session.

Malinga admits that the team has had some setbacks in the shorter format in recent times — the most recent coming in the poor performance at the 2019 World Cup. However, he is confident that the new crop of players have what it takes to pull-off another major triumph.

“We may have had some setbacks, but we have the capability to win another World Cup. The young players need to believe that they can deliver. They need to be dedicated and develop to a level that they can decide for themselves when they go to the middle,” Malinga said.

Two days ago, Malinga posted a video message on his wife’s Facebook page saying he felt no ill will towards officials and players who may have tried to push him out of the ODI team. He admitted that he was sidelined by selectors two years ago, but was eventually retained due to his consistent performances. Malinga’s most recent exploits came against eventual World Cup winners England. Sri Lanka defended a modest total of 232 with the help of Malinga’s four for 43.

For now, Malinga will look to bid farewell in style and prepare for the T20 World Cup in Australia next year. Sri Lanka’s cricket board confirmed he would be available for selection for the T20 squad.