Nuwan Thushara: The Lasith Malinga 2.0
What's the story
Lasith Malinga's pin-point yorkers, colored curly hair and his uncanny sling bowling action make him one of the memorable cricketers to have graced the sport. The Sri Lankan ace might be sidelined from the national squad, but for those of you who miss him, there is a new 'Malinga' in town. Meet Nuwan Thushara, the new pace sensation with a sling action.
Twin
Nuwan Thushara resembles Lasith Malinga
23-year-old Nuwan Thushara is Lasith Malinga 2.0. His curly hair, thick eyebrows and yes, the sling bowling action all resemble the Sri Lankan legend. He is known as Malinga Jr. in Colombo or as they call it down south 'Podi Malinga' which means little Malinga. Surprisingly, this youngster never set out to copy Malinga.
Data
Thushara has never tried to copy Malinga
Nuwan Thushara claims that the sling action comes naturally to him. The son of a construction worker, Nuwan Thushara did not know how to play serious cricket. His family could not even afford his education, cricket felt more of a luxury.
Quote
This is how I have bowled since childhood
"I used to bowl with a soft ball when a friend, who used to play competitive cricket took me to Colombo...People say I must have copied Malinga but this action was how it has been since the start, as a boy," Thushara said.
Ideal mentor
Malinga has tutored young Nuwan Thushara
Thushara never played hard-ball cricket in his hometown and is still trying to work his way with the hard-ball. It was only when he reached Colombo that he started taking cricket seriously. He is currently playing for Under-23 (Senior side) at Colombo Cricket Club. Lasith Malinga has even met the youngster and taught him a few tricks.
Data
Nuwan Thushara needs to improve
"I have been watching him for quite sometime now. I'm teaching him now. He has a long way to go," Lasith Malinga said about his new student.
Trying to be himself
Thushara is trying to be his own man
Thushara says he is not going to be swayed away by the comparison to the Sri Lankan legend. "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," Thushara concluded.