Your contribution to world cricket will stand for all time: Sangakkara, Jayawardene pay tribute to Malinga

Tags: Sri Lanka, Separamadu Lasith Malinga, Denagamage Proboth Mahela de Silva Jayawardene, Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara, retirement

Published on: Sep 15, 2021

Former Sri Lanka captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene hailed Lasith Malinga after the legendary pacer announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday. While Sangakkara said that Malinga’s contribution to Sri Lanka and world cricket will stand for all time, Jayawardene recalled memories of the first time he faced the bowler with a slinging action.

“Congrats on an awesome career. Your contribution to Sri Lanka and world cricket will stand for all time. Been such a pleasure playing with you. All the very best in what you decide to do from now. So much knowledge to give. Legend,” Sangakkara tweeted.

“Time I first faced you in the Galle nets as a 18 year old net bowler to the Curly coloured hair icon you have left us with amazing memories!! Fantastic team mate.. wishing you all the very best my friend and thank you!!” Jayawardene tweet read.

Malinga, who made a name for himself with toe-crushing and slow yorkers, both equally deadly called time on a glorious international career on Tuesday. Owing to injury and fitness issues, he had retired from Test cricket back in 2011. He quit ODIs in 2019 and played his last T20 for Sri Lanka against the West Indies in March 2020.

Sharing his retirement message on Twitter, Malinga wrote, "Hanging up my T20 shoes and retiring from all forms of cricket. Thankful to all those who supported me in my journey and looking forward to sharing my experience with young cricketers in the years to come.”

Malinga made his Test debut against Australia in 2004. His unique round-arm action made him a tough proposition for the batters. Malinga finishes his career with 546 international wickets, including 107 in T20s. He was a member of the team reached the 2011 World Cup final and led the side that won the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Malinga claimed four wickets of four consecutive balls twice in international cricket and has a record three ODI hat-tricks to his name.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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