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As Lasith Malinga returns to the Sri Lankan Test side after a long hiatus, the familiar setting of his home ground at Galle the venue for the first Test against India wouldn't be only reassuring sight that will ease his come back. In the dressing room will be his coach and long-time mentor Champaka Ramanayake, who has just been appointed Sri Lanka's bowling coach.
Speaking to The Indian Express from Galle, Ramanayake says that Malinga's selection in the playing XI for the first Test is a certainty. "Lasith has been itching to play a Test match again and that can be dangerous for India," says Ramanayake.
Interestingly, Malinga, who injured his right knee nine months back, played his last Test at the same venue two-and-a-half years back. After his successful return to cricket by playing Twenty20 and one-dayers, Galle will be Malinga's big test.
Sri Lanka Cricket have preserved their strike bowler, whose dodgy knee hasn't been able to take the pressures of hectic cricket. In January this year, they pulled out Malinga from the Standard Bank Pro20 tournament in South Africa because of fitness concerns after Malinga had signed up for the Highveld Lions.
He enjoyed success in the third edition of the Indian Premier League where he picked up 15 wickets for Mumbai Indians. Closer to the Test series Malinga showed fine form as he picked his first-ever ODI five-wicket haul against Pakistan in Asia Cup.
"He is fully fit as on today. Lasith has shown good form. If he stays injury-free then he will definitely be the impact bowler for us in the Test series," Ramanayake said.
Ramanayake first spotted Malinga at the Sri Lanka Cricket foundation trials about a decade ago. "He still retains the determination to do well. His action puts a lot of stress on his body but I have never bothered to change it as it was natural. Injuries will be part-and parcel of his career. It has been frustrating for him but he has worked hard and come out mentally stronger. He has also learnt to be patient if things don't go his way and has also picked up the art of setting up a batsman for a dismissal," Ramanayake said.
The coach believes Malinga is most effective when he is used in short bursts. "Spells lasting four to five overs work best for him. He is fast and owns a good yorker and bouncer but it is his accuracy, even while bowling a variety of deliveries, that makes him a difficult bowler to play."
TA Sekhar, Mumbai Indians director of cricket, says Malinga's form will be key factor in the Test series. "He is the only bowler in the Sri Lankan side who can consistently clock over 140-145 kilometres per hour. He adds variety to their attack. I would say he has a freak action, one that naturally helps generate reverse swing. Once the ball gets older it will be difficult to face him because he will generate reverse swing at 140-plus kmph."
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