In a sudden turn of events, it is reported that veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga joined the national team in training ahead of the 2nd T20I against Australia to be held tomorrow, giving rise to suspicions as to whether he will feature in what is to be TM Dilshan’s final international game.
Prior to the 2 match T20I series against Australia, Malinga had expressed that he would very much like to participate in Dilshan’s final series as a sign of respect to the retiring batsman, who he held in high regard. In an interview with Hiru news, Malinga is quoted as saying “If I get the opportunity to win Dilshan’s final match for him, I would do it, even if it meant breaking my leg”
Malinga, who is suffering from a degenerative knee injury in his left knee, had previously undergone a fitness test in which the verdict seemed to be that the fitness team would push to bring him to full fitness in time for the tour of South Africa in December.
Photo Album – Sri Lanka Practices ahead of 2nd T20I
Earlier in the year, Sri Lanka Cricket’s doctors confirmed a “substantial injury” to Lasith Malinga’s left knee, after the bowler was ruled out of both the World T20 and the IPL. Although surgery was not advised at the time, it was said that the injury would require a substantial amount of rest and periodic assessment.
As a result, Malinga has played just one competitive game since he sustained the injury in November of last year, during West Indies’ tour to Sri Lanka.
The injury to his left knee is considered to be quite similar to the one he sustained on his right knee in 2009, which ultimately forced him retire from Test cricket at the age of 27.
In the same interview with Hiru news, Malinga conveyed that he was planning on undergoing surgery two weeks ago but put it off as a surgery would mean more time away from competitive cricket. He also mentioned that at the moment he is able to bowl 4-5 overs at training.
