The selectors of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have recalled their premium fast bowler Lasith Malinga after an year in limbo and included him in a 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which is set to start on September 15.
The injury-prone 35-year-old had been largely ignored since his last ODI appearance in September last year against India in Colombo when he took just one wicket for 35 runs. Sri Lanka lost that match by six wickets.
However, official sources said he had impressed selectors during an ongoing domestic T20 series and has now been included in the one-day squad for the Asia Cup tournament taking place in the United Arab Emirates.
Malinga has taken 301 ODI wickets since his debut in July 2004. In the shortest form of the game, he has taken 90 wickets.
On the other hand, Dinesh Chandimal has also been recalled into the side following his six-match ban. Chandimal was ignored by the selectors for the home series against South Africa.
The Sri Lankan team will be eyeing their sixth title at the 2018 edition of the Asia Cup. The last time Sri Lanka prevailed as the champions of the tournament was in 2014.
Sri Lanka squad:
Angelo Mathews (captain), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera and Lasith Malinga.
