Injured Malinga unlikely to take part in IPL

Mumbai Indians coach Ricky Ponting says it is unlikely that Sri Lanka seamer Lasith Malinga will play any part in the upcoming IPL season for the defending champions.
The 32-year-old Malinga has not fully recovered from a long standing knee injury which ruled him out of the recent World T20 in India.
While Ponting said they would give the bowler with the sling action some time to recover, he is confident that they have the players to step up to replace Malinga, who is arguably the best paceman in the limited-overs format.
Ponting said: "If we need a replacement, it will be have to be named ahead of the fifth game. At this stage you have to say it is unlikely (Malinga playing).
"Malinga at his best has been one of the great performers in world cricket, both with new and old ball. He will be missed, but we have to think about who the best replacement will be.
"Will it be Marchant de Lange, will it be Tim Southee? Will we go in with three overseas batsmen? So there are headaches we have, which is a nice thing. If Malinga is ruled out, we have more than adequate replacement to fill his boots."
The IPL kicks off on Saturday with the Mumbai Indians at home to newcomers Rising Pune Supergiants.
Latest
-
News
England wobble in pursuit of 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Joe Root fell in quick succession early on.
-
News
England chasing 74 to win first Test against Sri Lanka
Jack Leach’s five wickets ended the home side’s resistance.
-
News
Angelo Mathews half-century holds up England’s bid for first Test victory
Sri Lanka were 302 for seven at tea for a lead of 16 runs.
-
News
Sri Lanka close in on England’s lead behind century from Lahiru Thirimanne
Sri Lanka trail by 44 at lunch on day three of the first Test.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day Three: Joe Root at the double but Sri Lanka show grit
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
Jack Leach admits there is room for improvement as Sri Lanka frustrate England
Leach and Sam Curran struck for the tourists in the hosts’ second innings.
-
News
Joe Root’s double century keeps England in command despite rally from Sri Lanka
Captain Root had ended day one on 66, day two on 168 and marched onwards to 228 on the third morning.
-
News
England captain Joe Root reaches fine double century before Sri Lanka fight back
Root was the last man out for England after scoring 228 to record a fourth double ton for his country.
-
News
Captain Joe Root completes fine double century as England build formidable lead
Root became only the fifth England player to score a Test double hundred in Asia.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.