Lasith Malinga makes a U-turn, says he wants to play for two more years

Ahead of the IPL 2020 auction, Mumbai have retained their prolific pacer Lasith Malinga. Unconventional bowling action and precise usage of yorkers are the two traits that define Lasith Malinga as a player. After bursting on to the international stage in 2004, the round-arm pacer made an immediate impact by scalping six wickets on his debut. The 36-year-old’s ability to generate pace with his unorthodox action makes his stand apart from other bowlers.

Malinga, who captains Sri Lanka in T20Is, had stated in March about his desire to retire after the Twenty20 World Cup, scheduled in October-November. However, the pacer had a rethink on his decision and has now expressed his decision to carry on for another two years. However, the veteran also said that he is waiting to hear from Sri Lanka Cricket’s decision on whether he would be leading the side in the next Twenty20 World Cup.

“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,” Malinga was quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Sri Lanka have won only 1 out of 10 T20Is

He also feels that the only way he could contribute to Sri Lanka cricket is by continuing to play. Malinga, who is the lone bowler to have scalped 100 wickets in the shortest format of the game, also said that Sri Lanka need continuity in leadership for changing their fortunes. The side has been affected by a series of inconsistent performances. Since Malinga’s reappointment as captain, Sri Lanka have managed to win only one out of their last 10 T20 Internationals.

“Sri Lanka are lacking that skillful 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. 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,” said Malinga.

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