Aug. 5: It was a busy day for Lasith Malinga. The slinger did not complain even on a day where the sun was harsh on the players. A good spell of quick swing bowling and a personal milestone to boot, and Malinga could not have asked for more.
Excerpts:
On using the short ball as stock delivery: I try and bowl as many wicket-taking balls as I can. If I think the bouncer will help getting a wicket I will use that as I am capable of a effective bouncer.
On reaching 100 Test wickets: I was keen especially after being injured for nearly three years and missing many games. I had played in 28 Tests and taken 92 wickets and had to wait for a while from there.
On reducing pace to the tailenders: I bowl as fast as I can but the wicket was getting slower. And that forced me to use the slower ball.
On the 4th day plan: We have batsmen who can play according to the situation. I still think if we can bat the whole day tomorrow we can set India a target and put them under pressure.
Suraj and Mendis are getting the ball to turn and can be effective on a turning wicket. A target of 275 will be hard to get on this wicket.
On coach Champaka Ramanayake’s role: He has been coaching me from my younger days and he told me to stick to my strengths. It could have been a better game for us but unfortunately Chanaka Welegedera had a bad game.