Sri Lanka : Malinga back to the side, will play against Aussie on Friday

Lasith Malinga 

The explosive Malinga, whose unusual "slingshot" action makes him difficult to face, was keenly missed by Sri Lanka in their three-Test mauling by the Australians as he concentrated on the shorter forms of the game.

In missing the Tests, he became one of the standout bowlers in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars.

Sri Lanka go into the series opener reinvigorated by the addition of Akila Dananjaya, Upul Tharanga and Ajantha Mendis along with Jeevan Mendis and Thisara Perera, who have been playing in the Big Bash League.

"I think it's going to be a fresh start because there are a few guys who will be joining us as well," all-rounder Angelo Mathews said.

Sri Lanka are banking on the return of slinging paceman Lasith Malinga to give them a fresh start in the one-day series against Australia, starting in Melbourne on Friday.
EB