Lasith Malinga’s international future was put in fresh doubt after Sri Lanka Cricket told the 34-year-old fast bowler that the only way back into the team was by playing domestic cricket.
Malinga was up for selection in Sri Lanka’s domestic Inter-Provincial one-day tournament set to get underway today. However, prior to the announcement of squads he stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL, where he is serving as a bowling mentor for the Mumbai Indians.
Despite performing well in T20s domestically over the past few months, picking up 17 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 11.35, the veteran fast bowler was overlooked for the Nidahas Trophy in March. In fact he has not played for Sri Lanka since September of last year, having returned from a lengthy injury layoff at the start of 2017.
Since his return from injury, his ODI form has been patchy, with him taking 10 wickets in 13 ODIs at an average of 62. However, his T20 form has been decent – 12 wickets in six T20Is at 16.50. Malinga believes this, along with his domestic form, warrants a return to the national team starting with Sri Lanka’s home series against South Africa in July. The selectors however feel he needs to prove himself further on the domestic stage.
“The selectors wanted him back, and he has to play domestic cricket according to them,” said SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala.
“We’re playing our white ball tournament, and 50-over and T20. I’m sure before the next international engagement which is South Africa and then the Asia Cup and so forth, he needs to play T20 games and 50 overs. If Lasith is not playing a domestic tournament, the selectors will have to make a call.”
Meanwhile, SLC CEO Ashley De Silva provided assurances that Malinga was still in the minds of the selectors.
“He has made himself available for selection and selectors have also picked him to play in one of the provinces. He hasn’t given any indication that he would be retiring, neither have the selectors given him an indication that they would not be considering him. So therefore if he performs well he will be considered.” (MB)
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