Colombo: Sri LAnkan pacer Lasith Malinga might be a nightmare for batsmen around the world, but the official event ambassador for the T-20 ICC World Cup says he still has a lot to learn from his Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) coach, Waqar Younis, about swinging the ball, specially the reverse swing.

Malinga, who captains Ruhuna Royals in the SLPL, said “Waqar is a legend, and I’m still learning how to ball a reverse swing. I hope to learn a lot from him on how to handle different situations in a match.”

However, Waqar, whose trademark was his ability to reverse swing at high speed, said, “I don’t think there is any need to teach him (Malinga) anything. He is a very smart and a thinking bowler.”  

The Pakistani great who is the only bowler to have taken 5 wickets in an innings in 3 consecutive ODIs, coaching a T20 side has been a totally different experience for him.  

“I have coached national teams before, but this is a different experience for me. The Mahindra SLPL has players from different cultures, and it was a learning period for me as well as the players who got my company.”

Malinga, who plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, is unfazed that the Indian players are not participating in the action unfolding in the Emerald Isle. “We cannot control that. But I think every country should come to the Mahindra SLPL. It’s very important for cricket’s future.”

 Waqar echoed Malinga and added, “The Mahindra SLPL is like a cricket fair. I think no one should be out of it – whether he is an Indian or West Indian or any other nationality. In my opinion, everyone should get permission to play in such tournaments.”

‘Slinga Malinga’, who is the only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive balls in international cricket also pointed that the Lankan youngsters have benefitted   tremendously from the Mahindra SLPL.

“The youngsters have made a great impact in the tournament. They have proved that they can change the game quickly.”

By Indian Sports News Network