Lasith Malinga may play on beyond T20 World Cup
What's the story
Veteran Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga had earlier stated that he will retire from T20Is after the ICC World T20 in 2020.
However, the Lankan ace has now indicated that he could play beyond the coveted event.
Malinga seemed firm in the belief that his body has two more years of cricket left.
Here's what Malinga said.
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Malinga feels he can play on beyond World T20
"T20 is four overs and I feel, with my skill, I can manage T20 as a bowler. As a captain, because I've played so many T20s around the world that I feel I can manage that period for maybe another two years," Malinga told ESPNCricinfo.
Malinga
Malinga is waiting to hear from Sri Lanka Cricket
In September, Malinga was selected as the captain in T20Is for the second time in his career.
He led Lanka against New Zealand at home and was in charge in the three-match series against Australia.
Malinga looks refreshed to lead this inexperienced side.
However, he is waiting to hear from Sri Lanka Cricket on whether he would be leading the side in the WT20.
Transition
Malinga on Lanka needing time in period of transition
Malinga feels he is more than capable of leading a youthful Lankan team's transition into a new era.
"Sri Lanka are lacking that skillful bowler, they lack those consistencies. We can't get one year, one and a half years, all fixed, it might be that we need to get patience, maybe two or three years," the veteran pacer said.
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Malinga needs to be present in order to contribute
"If I believe I can give something for the youngsters, then I need to be there. I can tell, but now I can show them 'this is the way how you do it.' But if I don't play then I can't do that," he added.
Malinga T20Is
Malinga has been a trump card for Lanka in T20Is
Malinga has featured in 79 T20Is and has bagged 106 scalps at an average of 19.44.
His sound economy-rate of 7.23 makes him one of the most consistent bowlers in the format.
The WT20 in 2020 is in October-November and will be held in Australia.
Meanwhile, the veteran is now playing in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for Maratha Arabians.