Categories: Sports

Malinga dropped for Pakistan ODIs

Sri Lankan selectors have dropped veteran seamer Lasith Malinga from the One-Day International squad for the five-match series against Pakistan in UAE. Malinga, who has shown indifferent form since making his comeback to the national set-up, had an ordinary series against India at home last month and as a result, has fetched the axe. Former skipper Angelo Mathews, who couldn’t feature in the ongoing Test series due of a calf injury, has failed to recover in time for the ODIs.
Mathews, who has been plagued by calf and hamstring injuries in recent times, faced a fitness test on Monday (October 2). “Angelo is struggling. We thought he will be okay for the ODIs, but on Monday while running he felt the pain again and has been ruled out. It’s a massive loss for us,” a Sri Lanka Cricket spokesman told Cricubzz.
Mathews has a chronic calf injury (right leg) which the doctors have said is incurable and the all-rounder has to manage the injury.
Having missed six months of international cricket early this year, he returned for Champions Trophy but only played as a specialist batsman. After defeat in the ODI series against Zimbabwe, he stepped down as captain. The 30-year-old resumed bowling during the Indian series and was injured during practices during preparation for the Test series against Pakistan.
Middle-order batsman Chamara Kapugedera has been retained in the side while all-rounder Seekkuge Prasanna makes a comeback to the side. Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay also has been added into the 15 member squad. Test captain Dinesh Chandimal, who was not in the original ODI squad against India, has also been named in the squad.
Fast bowler Dhammika Prasad, who has missed all forms of international cricket for two years due to shoulder surgery was expected to be named in the squad. But he has been given more time to gain full fitness ahead of the away tour to India next month.
Sri Lanka Squad:Â Upul Tharanga (Captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Chamara Kapugedera, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando, Akila Dananjaya and Jeffrey Vandersay.
Lankanewspapers

Recent Posts

LNP – Toll of deaths, injuries, missing persons due to adverse weather increases

The number of deaths caused by adverse weather resulting from the deep depression over the…

8 hours ago

LNP – Temporary vehicle number plates valid till December 15

The validity period of temporary vehicle number plates issued by the Department of Motor Traffic…

8 hours ago

LNP – Law College entrance exam and another exam postponed

The Examinations Department has announced the postponement of the 2024 Sri Lanka Law College General…

11 hours ago

LNP – Very heavy showers expected in parts of the island today

The Meteorology Department says the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located…

15 hours ago

LNP – 7 including one uncapped Sri Lankan player earn IPL 2025 deals

Sri Lankan cricketers have made significant inroads into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, with…

15 hours ago

LNP – Over 207,000 people affected by bad weather across 17 districts

Inclement weather conditions have affected a total of 207,582 individuals from 59,629 families across 17…

1 day ago