Malinga appointed ‘Bowling Strategy Coach’ for Sri Lanka's tour of Australia

Sri Lanka Cricket have appointed Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan fast bowling legend and former captain of the ODI and T20I team, as the ‘Bowling Strategy Coach’ of the National Team for the upcoming Tour of Australia. Malinga, in his new short-term role as a specialist coach, will support Sri Lanka’s bowlers, providing tactical insight and technical expertise to help the on-field execution of strategic plans.

Sri Lanka Cricket is confident that Malinga’s vast experience and renowned death-bowling expertise, especially in the T20 format, will help the team immensely going into this series. “We have some very talented young bowlers and I am very excited about the opportunity to share my experience and knowledge to help them develop,” Malinga commented after his appointment.

He was appointed by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket in consultation with the Technical Advisory Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket. The appointment is effective from 1st to 20th February 2022.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have announced a 20-member squad for their five-match T20 International (T20I) series against Australia. Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka have returned to the squad after their one-year ban, which was cut short earlier this month. However, Niroshan Dickwella did not find a place in the squad. Dhananjaya de Silva, who had taken a paternity leave was not named as were Kusal Perera and Akila Dananjaya. 

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who last played a T20I in 2019 has been recalled, following his inclusion in the recent ODI series against Zimbabwe. All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga who missed that series has returned.