PAK v SL: Sri Lanka drop Lasith Malinga from ODI squad

Veteran Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has reportedly been dropped from the Sri Lanka squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan. The Sri Lankan team is set to take on Pakistan in a five-match ODI series in the UAE. The ODI fixtures will commence after the conclusion of the ongoing Test series, which the Islanders are currently leading 1-0.

As per the reports in ThePapare.com, the selectors are likely to drop the experienced campaigner Lasith Malinga from the squad. The 34-year old bowler has been a regular member of the national setup in the limited overs cricket for a long time now. However, in the recent past, he has been struggling to find his form going his way. He was out of action last year due to an injury.

The injury had forced him to take a break from cricket for almost 19 months. When he made his comeback earlier this year, it was only a shadow of Malinga that the fans could witness on the field. Ever since his comeback, he has scalped only 10 wickets in the 13 matches that he has played at a poor average of 62.30.

In the recently concluded ODI series against India, he was largely ineffective and the Indian batsmen had made a mockery of his bowling. After the conclusion of the series, Malinga himself had rued the fact that he has not been contributing for the team.

“In the Zimbabwe and India series I couldn’t play well. I’ll see where I’m at after this series, and evaluate how long I can play given the way my body is. No matter how experienced I am – if I can’t win a match for the team and do what the team needs, there’s no point in me being here,” Lasith Malinga had quoted.

Angelo Mathews to be back in action

Meanwhile, some relief for the fans has come in the form of Angelo Mathews. The former captain is likely to be available for the series. Mathews is not a part of the ongoing Test series following an injury. The Sri Lanka squad for the ODI series will be announced soon.