No regrets about not playing for SL in Test-Malinga

13 December 2012 04:15 am - 24 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Lasith Malinga says he has no regrets at not playing for Sri Lanka in the Test series against Australia after recording the second-best figures in world Twenty20 history.

The Sri Lankan speedster with the unique slinging action reminded the world just how good he is when he took six wickets for seven runs off four amazing overs as he spearheaded Melbourne Stars to a 10-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers at the WACA on Wednesday night.

It ensured the Scorchers were bowled out for just 69, the lowest score in Australian domestic T20.

Malinga's 6-7 is the second-best spell of bowling in Twenty20 cricket at first-class level in the world, only bettered by Arul Suppiah's 6-5 for Somerset against Glamorgan in July 2011 and it knocks off Michael Dighton's 6-25 as the best figures in Australian T20 cricket.

How Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, with an inexperienced seam-bowling line-up, would love to have Malinga available for the first Test against Australia starting on Friday in Hobart.

But the paceman has no thoughts of going back on his retirement from the long form of the game.

He last played a Test for Sri Lanka against India in August 2010 and, while he won't be there against Australia, he's confident the Sri Lankans can do well.

"The thing is that I'm retired already and I have concentrated on T20 and ODI, and that's it," said Malinga.

"We have good young bowlers in the side now and the best option to Sri Lanka is to introduce new fast bowlers.

"Sri Lanka are a good side and a fighting side, and they will give it a good fight but the Aussies are a good side as well.

"I think they (Sri Lanka) can (win the series). Most of the time the best team wins in Test match cricket, but they will give it a good fight."

As for the side that Malinga, Shane Warne (1-9 from three overs) and the Stars beat on Wednesday, the Scorchers have some soul searching to do after two disappointing home losses to the Strikers and now the Stars.

Captain Simon Katich is trying to remain positive, though, and is looking forward to welcoming South African Alfonso Thomas and potentially welcoming back Shaun Marsh for Sunday's clash in Sydney against defending champions the Sixers.

"You have to try to move on quickly. It's one of those things in Twenty20 where someone has a day out to put you on the back foot and, the way things panned out, the game ended up almost in a farce really," Katich said.

After dismissing the Scorchers for just 69, the visitors raced to 0-29 after two overs before heavy rain fell, forcing the players from the field for more than an hour.

The game came within 10 minutes of being called off, but the rain eventually eased to allow play to resume.

Well ahead under the Duckworth-Lewis system, the game bizarrely needed just one more delivery for a result.

"There's no doubt that we have a road trip going to Sydney and Brisbane, but having him (Thomas) on board is a huge bonus with his experience and the role he will play in our team.

"We will possibly get Shaun back from injury as well and that's a big confidence boost." (AAP)

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Comments - 24

Kay Parker Thursday, 13 December 2012 06:59 AM

Don't blame malinga , blame the stupid Ministers who ruined cricket and same will happen to Rugby too

sam Friday, 14 December 2012 10:45 PM

If I was part of the Srilankan Cricket Management, I would try my best to bring back Malinga for at least the next 2 tests in Australia. Srilanka needs him for the tests. I am sure Srilanka Cricket can work out a payment package for him, if that’s what he wants. Australia Media has labelled the Srilanka Bowling attack as the worst ever and I am afraid Lankan guys will prove them right.
Does the Srilankan Cricket or the Management have any back bone or pride? Srilankan Cricket has become the laughing stock of World Cricket after Murali’s retirement and it is very disappointing for Srilankan fans. I guess the best scenario for Srilanka is to stick to one day and the T20 format. They are not good at tests nor will they be in the future.

Cheers,
Sam

Chuti Friday, 14 December 2012 10:08 PM

Pls don't Play...
You have already forget your past & looks like too greedy for money ..

We don' t mind earning money while playing GOOD cricket for the country as we are cricket crazy nation..

charle kokula Friday, 14 December 2012 04:09 AM

Malinga, has the right to choose.

deva Friday, 14 December 2012 04:04 AM

How many of you, who are throwing stones at him, work for the country without pay for the sake of patriotism

sanjaya dias Friday, 14 December 2012 03:35 AM

it was not a lucky day for srilanka. Other than that particular day SL done marvellous job. Any good team have some bad days.

Jagath Leanage Friday, 14 December 2012 12:51 AM

Pls DONT play tests.

Ajith Thursday, 13 December 2012 12:11 PM

I will never forget how Malinger the "Game Changer" ruined the 20-20 World Cup hopes for Srilankan fans.
Of course he can change the game for good and bad!!!!!!

sanjaya dias Thursday, 13 December 2012 11:48 AM

He said he can't play longer version due to keen injuries. He is doing best to his country.

toto Thursday, 13 December 2012 11:45 AM

Dont you guys undestand, that this guy plays only for money.Hes theme is IPL...not Sri lankan cricket.lol

jayampathi Thursday, 13 December 2012 10:38 AM

yes ofcourse.. Twenty 20 means more money...

ML Chong Thursday, 13 December 2012 08:18 AM

Malinga may return as SL Test captain.

jihad deen Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:31 AM

he needs more KFC - that's why he plays hardly

Gihan Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:34 AM

U beauty Slinga ........ Yes Its correct No regrets.. If he continued to play Test Cricket, for sure we gonna loss him very quickly. There is no consistent fast bowler in the team currently at the aspect of fitness. Only we had Vassy for a long period and now we can bit rely on Kula but not sure how long looking at on his low speedy meter.

SLC needs to find, feed and care new speeders soon....

another from dubai Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:27 AM

mate.. they have excelled in sports and are earning money through that.. no point in complaining cos they earn money by using their abilities

PoliticallyIncorrect Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:26 AM

i remember when Malinga was considered 'too wayward' for ODI/T20 in 2004-5 era. he was purely a test bowler and did well against AUS and NZ away and against SA and WI at home wish he remained like that -then at least we'd be winning test matches abroad.

Nizam - Dubai Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:21 AM

Money! Money! Money! all the way, play the game until you drop....

Silas Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:08 AM

Its funny how most of the cricket loving public in Sri Lanka is blasting this guy for choosing "money over country". They are also doing a job...just like anyone else. As the joker said "if you're good at something, never do it for free".

Nimal Thursday, 13 December 2012 05:03 AM

Best T20 bowling figure is 6/5 by Arul Suppiah....is he from Srilanka ?

Karu Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:55 AM

You have good yorker bowling......but you got out all first class Australian players.... waiting for your real come back

slinga Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:57 AM

more money..... more wickets....it a simple plan

ind Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:42 AM

yeah.. As long as can pay for IPL !

saman Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:41 AM

Last night, you were simply awesome and unplayable. Well bowled! Wish you do the same in January next year when SL takes on the Aussies in the ODIs.

Lobo Thursday, 13 December 2012 04:39 AM

Look out for your own interest Lasith. The SLC will be interested in you only as long as you can perform and dump you the minute you are no use to them.

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No regrets about not playing for SL in Test-Malinga

Comments - 24

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