Lasith Malinga Hints Playing Two More Years For Sri Lanka

One of the modern greats of Sri Lanka Lasith Malinga is willing to continue playing for Sri Lanka for at least 2 more years. Earlier, the fast bowler quoted that he would take retirement after leading Sri Lanka in the upcoming ICC T20I World Cup 2020 but now, he is willing to continue 2 more years.

Lasith Malinga, ahead of ICC World Cup 2019, had stated that he wanted to retire after the T20I World Cup scheduled in October-November in Australia next year. But the 36-year-old, who captains Sri Lanka in the shortest format, now says he can play on beyond that.

I feel I can manage two more years – Lasith Malinga

Speaking of the same, Lasith Malinga quoted saying that he can manage bowling 4 overs in a match. Further, the fast bowler added saying that he gained experience by playing across the world. Further, he isn’t sure about leading the Sri Lanka team in the upcoming world event, as he feels Sri Lanka cricket often makes a change to their plans.

“T20 is four overs and I feel with my skill, I can manage T20 as a bowler. As a captain, because I’ve played so many T20s around the world that I feel I can manage that period for maybe another two years. (Sri Lanka Cricket) said for the World Cup I have to be lead there but you never know in Sri Lanka,” he said to ESPN Cricinfo.

Consistency is very important –

Further, speaking of the poor loss against Australia in the recent tour, Lasith Malinga quoted that they are lacking quality fast bowlers, which is making things tough for the team. He believes that it requires at least a couple of years to get the quality bowler for the team and asks selectors to maintain consistency while picking squads.

“Sri Lanka are lacking that skilful bowler, they lack those consistencies. We can’t get one year, one and a half years, all fixed, it might be that we need to get patience, maybe two or three years,” he said. Consistency is very important. I feel whoever is doing the next selection have to understand that (for) people (to learn), they have to be there. If he’s on the bench, nobody can learn,” he added.

Well, it is certainly a piece of good news for Sri Lanka, as their ace bowler is still wanting to deliver for the team for at least two more years. It means that Lasith Malinga will be playing the next couple of T20I World Cups for Sri Lanka if he maintains same fitness.