News Sports Cricket Watch: Lasith 'Slinga' Malinga turns off-spinner, knocks three down

Watch: Lasith 'Slinga' Malinga turns off-spinner, knocks three down

Left out of Sri Lanka squad due to his struggling bowling form, Malinga is utilizing his time to play domestic cricket in his country.

Sri Lanka Cricket Image Source : GETTY IMAGESA file image of Lasith Malinga

Widely hailed for his toe-crushing yorkers and brilliant death bowling, Lasith Malinga is one such name who has carved an identity of his own as one of the world's premier fast bowler. Malinga's unique bowling action, his free-flowing curly locks and an endearing smile set him apart from his contemporaries. However, in a recent domestic match, Malinga stunned everyone when he decided to bowl off-spin instead of bowling fast.

After being left out of Sri Lanka squad for the limited-overs series against Pakistan, Lasith Malinga is currently utilizing his free time to play domestic cricket in his country. The 34-year old pacer captained side - Teejay Lanka, he guided his team to victory over LB Finance in the final of the MCA ‘A’ division knockout tournament.

The Galle-born pacer bowled off-spinners with hardly any run-up to the crease but still managed to pick up three important wickets as LB Finance finished at 125/7 in 25 overs, losing the match by 82 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method.  

The 34-year old bowler had been a regular member of ODI side but his recent bowling form and constant injury problems didn't allow him to perform at his best at the highest level. After returning to international cricket in June this year, Malinga has played only 13 ODIs, and his last international match was the T20I against India which was played on September 6. In the ODI series against India, which Sri Lanka lost 5-0, Malinga was totally ineffective and the Indian batsmen were just happy to exploit his balls.

After winning the Test series against Pakistan 2-0, Sri Lanka suffered a 5-0 series whitewash in the ODIs which was soon followed by a 3-0 drubbing in the three-match T20 International series.