NewKerala.com

Eshan Malinga's Shoulder Injury Puts T20 World Cup Spot in Jeopardy

Sri Lankan fast bowler Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the final T20I against England after dislocating his shoulder during the second match. The injury, sustained while delivering a beamer, poses a serious threat to his inclusion in the upcoming T20 World Cup squad. He will return to Colombo for an MRI scan to determine the severity and recovery timeline. Pramod Madushan is the likely replacement for the final match as Sri Lanka Cricket may need ICC approval to alter its World Cup squad after the deadline.

Key Points: Malinga Injured, T20 World Cup Place at Risk

  • Shoulder injury in 3rd T20I
  • Puts T20 World Cup spot at risk
  • MRI scan to determine recovery
  • Pramod Madushan likely replacement
  • Squad change needs ICC approval
2 min read

Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga to miss 3rd T20I against England, T20 WC place at risk

Sri Lanka's Eshan Malinga dislocates shoulder, misses final T20I vs England, casting doubt on his T20 World Cup selection.

"He will return to Colombo today, where he will undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the injury - SLC media release"

Pallekele, February 2

Sri Lanka Cricket announced on Monday that Eshan Malinga will be missing out against England in the third and final T20I of the series on Tuesday due to a dislocated shoulder. This injury puts the World Cup inclusion of the slingy pacer at risk after the injury sustained in Sunday's match against England in Pallekele.

After a lengthy rain interval, when Malinga bowled the third ball of the eighth over to Tom Banton, he ended up jerking his left shoulder, his non-bowling one, while delivering the ball and fell on the ground during his follow-through. He was left clutching his shoulder in pain. The delivery turned out to be a beamer and was declared a no-ball.

Malinga has picked eight wickets in eight matches since his debut in November last year against Zimbabwe, with an average of 26.87 and a strike rate of 17.1. He also had a brilliant run in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) last season, taking 13 wickets in seven matches, averaging 18.31 and maintaining an immaculate strike rate of 12.31. This injury proved to be a significant setback for him and the Sri Lankan team.

"He will return to Colombo today, where he will undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the injury and determine the next course of action," an SLC media release stated, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Pramod Madushan, who was added to the squad as the backup of Dushmanta Chameera, will presumably replace Malinga, as no replacement was announced in the squad. The Sri Lankan board will require the ICC's approval to make changes to the squad after the January 31 deadline. SLC's delay in announcing the final squad has left it unclear whether Malinga will retain his spot in the 15.

Sri Lankan cricket has plenty of options to make a change. Thusara has been their primary strike bowler in T20Is over the past year. The main contentions of fast bowlers are Madushan and Nuwan Thusara, along with Asitha Fernando, and the two left-armers, Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka. Madushan will likely get a chance to present his case for a spot in the final T20 WC squad in the third T20I on Tuesday.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
SLC's delay in announcing the final squad is now coming back to haunt them. Why leave it so late? It creates unnecessary pressure on the players and the management. They need to be more professional.
A
Arjun K
As an SRH fan, I saw what he could do. His slingy action is unique and troubles batters. But it also looks stressful on the body. Sri Lanka has good pace depth with Thusara and the Fernandos. Pramod Madushan gets a big chance now!
S
Sarah B
The article mentions it was a beamer that caused this. That's a dangerous delivery, and it's unfortunate he got hurt in the process. Player safety should always come first. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
V
Vikram M
Tough break for the young lad. The World Cup is the dream for any player. Hope the ICC allows a replacement if needed. The game needs exciting young pacers like him.
K
Karthik V
Injuries are part of the sport, but timing is everything. He has a bright future ahead. For now, Sri Lanka should focus on the options they have. Nuwan Thusara has been very reliable.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50