Nuwan Thushara Slated to be the Replacement for Slinging Legend Lasith Malinga

It is only fair to say the cricketing world has seen the best of Lasith Malinga.

However, Sri Lankan cricket found an able replacement for the limited-overs legend, both look-wise and bowling wise.

Curly haired, Nuwan Thushara has a similar slinging action when compared to the Sri Lankan great. Malinga is out of the reckoning for Sri Lanka’s plans for the upcoming World Cup in England in 2019.

The talent from the island nation was coined, as Lasith Malinga of softball cricket.

However, Thushara had no prior experience of bowling with the hardball.

23-year old Thushara has been the talk of the town in Sri Lankan cricket.

He is nicknamed Malinga Jr. as popular Hashtags of #PodiMalinga circulated social media. In Tamil, Podi means small or little.

“I used to bowl with a soft ball when a friend, who used to play competitive cricket took me to Colombo. There, I first played for Sinhalese Sports Club before moving on to Colombo Cricket Club. People say I must have copied Malinga but this action was how it has been since the start, as a boy,” says Thushara according to Indian Express.

“People always said I should try to play leather-ball cricket but somehow I didn’t know how to go about it. Back at home, things aren’t that good as my father works as a helper in building houses,” suggested Nuwan Thusara.

“I have enjoyed this small fame but to be like Malinga, it will take lots and lots of hard work. The road ahead will not be easy. I can only say I will try to be my own man,” added the youngster.

Here’s a look at his action

Lasith Malinga, on the other hand, claimed he has been keeping an eye on the exciting prospect. Malinga stated he had taken Thushara under his wings.

“I have been watching him for quite some time now. I’m teaching him now. He has a long way to go and has to learn how to bowl with a red ball. He will learn probably in next couple of seasons,” concludes Malinga.

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