Reports: Lasith Malinga set to be named Sri Lanka's fast bowling coach for Australia tour

In what can be called a major development, Lasith Malinga is set to named Sri Lanka’s fast bowling consultant for the tour of Australia next month. One of the finest pacers to have played the game, Malinga spearheaded Sri Lanka’s pace attack during his playing days and his record across formats is nothing but phenomenal. Owing to the same, the High-Profile Cricket Advisory Committee has recommended to Sri Lanka Cricket’s Executive Committee to appoint him as a consultant coach.

Malinga’s appointment would be one off as he’ll oversee the upcoming tour of Australia where the Lankan side will play five T20Is. With 390 T20 wickets under his belt, Malinga is one of the successful bowlers in the format and his expertise would certainly benefit the struggling Sri Lankan team.

Lasith Malinga remains a “polarizing” figure

Meanwhile, the major report was carried out by The Island. It was also learnt that his appointment has not gone down too well with all stakeholders of the sport. Despite being one of the finest fast bowlers ever, Malinga remains a “polarizing” figure. He wasn’t the most likeable person in the dressing room with a host of Sri Lankan captains having concerns about his behaviour.

It is alleged that Malinga intentionally slowed down the over rate with the intention of suspending the captain, an allegation that SLC has not investigate. Notably, Malinga has also led the national team for a substantial time. Under him, the side also lifted the T20 World Cup title in 2014. However, his overall captaincy record isn’t too appealing.

He led Sri Lanka in nine ODIs and suffered defeat every single time. Of the 24 T20s he captained, 15 were losses. As per the daily, the Cricket Advisory Committee, where Kumar Sangakkara, Aravinda de Silva and Muttiah Muralitharan are members, had their concerns in appointing Malinga as fast bowling consultant coach.

Meanwhile, Mahela Jayawardene will travel alongside the team as a consultant coach and the recommendation is believed to have come from him only. Hence, it would be interesting to see what Malinga, who retired from international cricket last year, will bring into the table. Notably, Australia are the defending T20 World Cup 2021 and will definitely step into the series as favourites.