Malinga appointed Sri Lanka's bowling strategy coach for Australia series

Former pacer Lasith Malinga has been appointed Sri Lanka's bowling strategy coach for the limited-overs series against Australia at home. Sri Lanka are set to play three T20Is and five ODIs from June 7-24.

"Malinga, during the tour, will support Sri Lanka's bowlers, providing tactical insight and technical expertise to help the on-field execution of strategic plans," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a release on Thursday.

Malinga served as the bowling mentor for Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians in 2018 was the the fast-bowling coach of IPL 2022 finalists Rajasthan Royals. He was also appointed in a similar role for Sri Lanka's limited-overs tour of Australia earlier this year.

"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 all-important series," the release added.

Sri Lanka will also play three Tests from June 29 to July 12 following the ODI series. The Islanders have handed maiden call-ups for teenage pacer Matheesha Pathirana who impressed with his performances for Chennai Super Kings in the recently-concluded IPL.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald will miss the start of the series due to COVID-19.