Not Thinking Too Far on the World Cup, Says Lasith Malinga

Updated - 13 Oct 2018, 08:12 PM

LAsith Malinga | Sri Lanka vs England |
Lasith Malinga also called-up. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga, after taking a five-wicket haul in the second ODI against England admitted that he is not aiming the World Cup and is focusing on the next game.

Meanwhile, Maling returned to the ODI squad in the recently concluded Asia Cup in the UAE.  Prior to that, the right-arm pacer last featured in an ODI in September 2017 against India during the home series. The veteran, who led Sri Lanka to 2014 World T20 title, suffered injuries and fitness issues over the last couple of years.

I didn’t play one and a half years of cricket for Sri Lanka. But after Asia Cup, I feel I can do well, maybe not perform like previous years but I can do something for the team. My first 3 overs today were not ideal but I came back well. I wanted to stick to my wicket-taking options. I am in the last stage of my career. I am not sure how much cricket I have left for the country. Still, I am very proud to represent my country. I try my best in the every match,” Lasith Malinga said after the England innings got over.

AFP

Not Focusing on the World Cup

The veteran Sri Lanka seamer admitted he is not sure about his participation in the mega World Cup next year. Furthermore, he insisted that he not aiming so far and is focusing on the next time.

Malinga also stated that he is keen to perform well in whatever opportunities comes his way.

“I am not sure about the selector’s plan but in the last one and a half years, they didn’t have any plan with me. But now I got the chance and I wanted to prove, I am still Lasith Malinga. I just want to focus on the next match and I am not thinking too far towards the World Cup. I don’t know what is in their (selectors) mind. Whenever I get an opportunity, I want to give my best. The wicket is too dry, it will not help fast bowlers. We are an Asian country, we play spin well and we can chase this total down,” Lasith Malinga concluded.

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