Colombo: Sri Lanka yesterday recalled veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga to the squad for a series of Twenty20 internationals in Australia this month after his recovery from a long-running knee problem.
The 33-year-old, who retired from Test cricket in 2010, has not played international cricket since last February when Sri Lanka suffered an early exit from the Asia Cup
Malinga gave up Test cricket after deciding he was unable to withstand the rigour of five-day matches but has continued to make himself available for Twenty20 and 50 over cricket.
Thilanga Sumathipala, president of the Sri Lankan cricket board, said Malinga had proved his fitness and even pencilled the former skipper in for the next 50 over World Cup being played in England in 2019. Skipper Angelo Mathews was on Monday ruled out of the Australian tour because of a hamstring injury. Sri Lanka will face Australia on February 17 in Melbourne, in Geelong on February 19 and in Adelaide on February 22.
