Lasith Malinga to work with Sri Lanka in short-term role in lead up to T20 World Cup in a a 40-day appointment.
Lasith Malinga to work with Sri Lanka in lead up to T20 World Cup.
As Sri Lanka’s men’s squad gets ready to co-host the T20 World Cup in early February, Lasith Malinga has once again been hired as a consultant bowling coach.
Malinga’s work with important bowlers in the national setup will effectively continue during this 40-day tenure, which runs from December 15 until January 25. In addition to working unofficially with elite bowlers over the years, Malinga had at least two prior positions as an official fast-bowling consultant. For the past two years, he has been helping the coaching staff under Sanath Jayasuriya.
Malinga will be particularly useful because round-arm bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara are both in Sri Lanka’s preliminary team for the T20 World Cup and are expected to make the final 15.
On February 7, Sri Lanka will co-host their first international men’s competition since 2012. Three locations in Sri Lanka will be used: Pallekele, SSC in Colombo, and Khettarama.
The dates of the T20 World Cup are February 7–March 8. Group B includes Australia, Ireland, Oman, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka Cricket aims to leverage Malinga’s vast international experience and renowned expertise in death bowling, particularly in the shortest format of the game to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup,” the board release said.