Lasith Malinga to lead Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is
Sri Lanka have called back 35-year-old veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga for the limited-overs series against New Zealand. Malinga has been named skipper for three ODIs and one T20I. He will lead a 17-member squad to face the Kiwis. Malinga returns as skipper after a long period, besides also making a comeback to the team. Here's more.
Malinga will be hoping to have an influence
Sri Lanka are currently involved in a two-match Test series at home against the Black Caps. The limited-overs series starts from January 3 onwards. Malinga will be hoping to have an influence and show his mettle as a skipper. He would be wanting to make most of this chance and be a guiding force for the rest of the side.
Malinga last led SL against India in 2017
Malinga led the Lankans during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014. He also led the side against the UAE in February 2016. Since then, the player has not led the national team. He had lost both his captaincy and a place in the team, due to recurring injuries. He last led SL in an ODI match against India in 2017.
Here's the complete squad
Here is the Sri Lanka squad: Lasith Malinga (captain), Niroshan Dickwella (vice-captain), Angelo Mathews, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Asela Gunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Lakshan Sandakan, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara.
Malinga has listed himself in IPL 2019 auction
Meanwhile, Malinga has listed himself in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auction to be held in Jaipur on December 18. The veteran pacer is the highest-wicket taker in IPL history and had enjoyed tremendous success earlier. After being unsold in IPL 2018 auction, Malinga is back. He has listed himself among nine other players with the maximum base price of Rs. 2 crore.
