As national cricketers participated in religious observations at SLC headquarters yesterday prior to leaving for the World T-20, the Buddhist monk who conducted the pirith chanting urged fast bowler Lasith Malinga to return to Test cricket as his match winning performances were vital for the country in the longer version of the game as well.
Malinga quit Test cricket to concentrate on shorter formats of the game due to recurring injuries. The Sri Lankan team has struggled in the longer version of the game due to lack of fire power in the bowling department.
Malinga was the hero during Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign as his five wicket haul helped Sri Lanka to a five wicket win over Pakistan. Malinga was named Man of the Match.
“Mr. Malinga, you performed exceptionally well in recent games and your services are required in Test cricket as well. Consider playing Test cricket also,” the monk said addressing Malinga.
The monk also rebuked SLC officials. “Cricket board officials and players have problems over player payments. The country benefits because of players. If there is a problem I urge them to solve them amicably.”
“We recite pirith before the team goes for an event. But after winning an event we don’t practice religious observances. Recently when the national team was given a hero’s welcome after the Asia Cup win, they passed by our temple. But no effort was made to stop by the temple and get the blessings,” the monk remarked.
