Lasith Malinga

Yes, it is true. The ‘Slinga’, Lasith Malinga, Sri Lankan fast bowler has announced that he will no longer be available for Test Cricket for Sri Lanka.  Malinga announced his retirement from the longer version of the game, following his ‘degenerative condition’ in his right knee, which forced him to end his test career. Malinga has been struggling with his right knee injury for quite a long time now.

The Sri Lankan pacer made himself unavailable for the recent series against the English Side. However, he has announced that he will be available for Sri Lanka in the 50 over format and T20 format. The prolonging knee injury forced the pacer to take such an action. Malinga is currently playing the IPL event in India for Mumbai Indians. He hopes to play the upcoming, 2011, 20-20 World cup and the 2015 World Cup. The fast bowler announced his retirement from the five day cricket, so as to prolong his career in the shorter version of the game.

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board has asked Malinga to return from IPL and undergo a rehabilitation programme. But the pacer has made it clear that his injury will no longer allow him to be a part of the five – day format. The pacer also stated “I did try to return to Test Cricket after a long gap of 3 years on the request from the cricket board and the team management, but if further added to my severe knee pain for two months.

Malinga popularly known as ‘Slinga’ famous for his low slung action and his accuracy for bowling Yorkers time and time again, has a stunning record in test Cricket. He claimed 101 wickets at an average of 33.15 in 30 tests following his test debut against Australia in Darwin back in 2004.

“I have realized that the heavy workload of Test cricket, which requires a fast bowler to be able to bowl more than 15 overs, sometimes on consecutive days, could lead to permanent injury. I have carefully considered my options and have decided that not playing Test cricket will help me achieve my goal of representing Sri Lanka in the 2012 World Twenty20 and the 2015 World Cup.” The fast bowler stated.

It is indeed shocking news for the Sri Lankan Cricket and for the fans as well. No longer will one get too see Malinga in Whites. It is a huge loss for Sri Lanka and for the Test Cricket. He is one of his kind and one of the most demolishing and dangerous bowlers. Now, departure of Muralitharan and Malinga, the bowling attack needs some attention and it will be hard to replace them.

Tags: Cricket, Indian Premier League, IPL, Lasith Malinga, Mumbai Indians, Slinga, Sri Lanka, Test Cricket