Malinga injured but on his way to World T20

Sri Lanka bowler Lasith Malinga is on his way to India to link up with the national squad ahead of their World T20 opener against Afghanistan on Thursday, still recovering from a knee injury.
Malinga, who was replaced by Angelo Mathews as Sri Lanka's T20 captain on the eve of the global tournament, has had touble with the injury since December and has not played much cricket.
The 32-year-old only played one game in the recent Asia Cup, taking four wickets against the UAE, but then flew home to rest his knee but was still included for the World T20.
Malinga said on Sunday: "This is a bone injury that cannot be operated or treated medically. I am having only some injections [not pain killers] to make it heal. The only remedy for it is rest.
"I will practice in the next few days with the team and see how my knee is taking up the pressure. If I don't feel any pain I will play in the opening match, but if not it is a decision for the selectors to make."
The rest of the Sri Lanka squad is already in India and after the game Afghanistan will take on West Indies, England and South Africa in Group one of the global tournament.
Latest
-
News
Joe Root ready to have a ball in Sri Lanka
The England captain could find himself pressed into use as a third spinner with Moeen Ali in isolation.
-
News
Steve Smith debate has been “blown up” says England all-rounder Chris Woakes
The former Australia captain was filmed scratching at the batting crease while fielding against India.
-
News
Moeen Ali coronavirus quarantine extended after mild symptoms
The England all-rounder is now unlikely to feature in England’s Test series in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Australia go on the defensive over Steve Smith scuffing saga
Australia have closed ranks around Steve Smith, who is upset over being painted as a villain following the drawn third Test against India.
-
News
On This Day in 1996: Dickie Bird announces retirement from umpiring
Bird umpired in 66 Tests and 69 one-day internationals.
-
News
Dan Lawrence adamant he will stick to ‘unique’ batting technique in Test arena
The 23-year-old should make his Test debut when England start their two-match series against Sri Lanka.
-
News
Steve Smith criticised for appearing to scuff Rishabh Pant’s guard in third Test
Former Australia captain Steve Smith was branded “childish” after an incident during the final day of their drawn third Test against India
-
News
Tim Paine admits he let the Australian bowlers down
Australia captain Tim Paine believes he was at least partially to blame for his side failing to bowl India.
-
News
Testing times on tour in Sri Lanka – the life of an international cricketer
Gloucestershire’s James Bracey is on his first overseas tour with England. Here he writes about his experiences so far in Sri Lanka.
-
News
India salvage unlikely draw in third Test against Australia
India salvaged an unlikely draw as the third Test against Australia reached a thrilling finale.