Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made a significant move to bolster its coaching setup by bringing in a legendary figure. The board has officially appointed the iconic fast bowler, Lasith Malinga, as a consultant for the national team's pace attack.
Malinga's New Role and Responsibilities
The appointment was confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket on Tuesday. Malinga will serve in the specialized position of fast-bowling consultant. His primary focus will be to mentor and develop the country's current crop of fast bowlers, sharing his vast wealth of experience from an illustrious international career.
His consultancy role is not limited to the senior men's team. The SLC stated that Malinga's expertise will also be extended to all Sri Lankan national cricket teams. This includes age-group sides and likely the women's national team, ensuring a broad impact on the nation's fast-bowling pipeline.
Immediate Focus on the T20 World Cup
The timing of this appointment is strategic. Malinga's first major assignment will be to work with the Sri Lankan squad preparing for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to be held in June across the West Indies and the United States. His deep knowledge of T20 bowling, especially his famed death-over mastery, is expected to be invaluable for the team's campaign.
This move reunites Malinga with the national setup in a formal coaching capacity. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest limited-overs bowlers of all time, known for his unique sling-arm action, pinpoint yorkers, and clever variations. His record in T20 Internationals is particularly stellar, where he remains the highest wicket-taker with 107 scalps.
A Strategic Boost for Sri Lankan Pace Bowling
The decision to enlist Malinga is seen as a direct effort to address the performance of the fast-bowling unit. Sri Lanka has been seeking consistency and wicket-taking ability from its pace attack. By bringing in a homegrown legend who has excelled on the global stage, SLC aims to inspire and technically refine its bowlers.
Fans and analysts have largely welcomed the appointment, hoping that Malinga's aggressive mindset and tactical genius will rub off on bowlers like Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dushmantha Chameera. His experience in high-pressure Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and global ICC tournaments is considered a key asset.
This consultancy role marks a new chapter for Lasith Malinga in his service to Sri Lankan cricket, transitioning from a celebrated player to a mentor tasked with shaping the next generation of fast-bowling stars.
