Published: Dec 25, 2015, 08:36 AM (IST)
Edited: Dec 25, 2015, 08:49 AM (IST)
Wellington: Leading Sri Lanka bowler Lasith Malinga will miss the first two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand and may not be available for the entire series, team officials said Friday. Malinga is still recovering from a knee injury sustained during the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka in October and November. “He has not come for the ODIs. He’s feeling some discomfort in his knee. Whether he will come between the ODIs and T20s — no-one knows,” team manager Jerry Woutersz said. Thisara Perera has joined the squad in Malinga’s place ahead of the first ODI in Christchurch on Saturday. LIVE CRICKET SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2015-16, 1st ODI at Christchurch
New Zealand also have injury concerns with Kane Williamson, the newly crowned number one Test batsman in the world, suffering discomfort in his right knee. Test opener Tom Latham has been put on standby for the ODI squad.
“We’re just working through that knee. It’s just a little bit niggly so we want to make sure it’s 100 percent. If it’s not Tom is the man we’ll bring in as cover,” New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan said. READ: Angelo Mathews slams Sri Lankan batsmen for listless performances in New Zealand tour
New Zealand take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch after completing a 2-0 whitewash over the visitors in the recently-concluded Test series — their second such result in the year. Sri Lanka gained a 55-run lead after bowling New Zealand out for 237 in their first innings, but capitulated for a mere 133 in their second essay. Williamson led from the front, remaining unbeaten on 108 as New Zealand romped to a five-wicket win.
