SRI LANKA TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND, 2015

Lasith Malinga ruled out of New Zealand series

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Malinga is out of the NZ series with a knee injury. © Cricbuzz

Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan pacer, has been ruled out of the tour to New Zealand with a knee injury, serving the visitors with a cruel blow ahead of the limited overs leg. Malinga will stay back in Sri Lanka to nurse the injury and will now hope to be fit for the series against the West Indies.

Thisara Perera took Malinga's slot in the team. Malinga was to captain the T20I side in the series that followed the ODIs.

Speaking about Malinga's injury, New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan said the visitors have suffered a 'big loss'.

"That's a big loss, what a contributor he's been over a number of years for Sri Lanka. He's been their key fast bowler. He's a handful. I'm sure they'll miss him, but it gives an opportunity to some other younger guys in the squad," McMillan said.

© Cricbuzz