Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene lavished praise on compatriot Lasith Malinga after the fast bowler announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday.
Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene pay rich tribute to Lasith Malinga. (Reuters Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Malinga retired from T20I cricket to bring an end to a glorious international career
- Sangakkara said Malinga’s contribution to Sri Lanka and world cricket will stand for all time
- Jayawardene said that Lasith Malinga has left everyone with “amazing” memories
Former Sri Lanka skippers Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene paid rich tribute to compatriot Lasith Malinga after the iconic pacer announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday. Sangakkara hailed Malinga, saying his contribution to Sri Lanka and world cricket will stand for all time.
“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.
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 !!! https://t.co/iuvu3pI9ip
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) September 14, 2021
Jayawardene recalled the first time he faced Malinga in nets and said the fast bowler has left everyone with “amazing” memories.
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!! https://t.co/IV7HiZLh0i
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) September 14, 2021
“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 tweeted.
Malinga, known for his unorthodox bowling action and toe-crushing yorkers, continued to play T20 matches after quitting Test cricket in 2011 and one-day internationals in 2015. His last T20 game was against the West Indies in March 2020.
“Hanging up my T20 shoes and retiring from all forms of cricket,” Malinga said on Twitter. “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.”
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.https://t.co/JgGWhETRwm #LasithMalinga #Ninety9
— Lasith Malinga (@ninety9sl) September 14, 2021
Malinga, who made his Sri Lanka debut against Australia in a Test in 2004, gained a reputation for his searing in-swinging yorkers that were hard to play due to his distinctive round-arm delivery action.
The 38-year-old took 546 international wickets, including a record 107 in T20s. He was a member of the squad that reached the one-day World Cup final in 2011 and captained the side that won the 2014 T20 World Cup.
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