By
Indrajit Coomaraswamy
Lasith Malinga should not have behaved in the manner he recently did in relation to the media. However, there is a consensus among those who know him well that he is a very decent person. (I must concede I have never met him.)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 07, 2012: Lasith Malinga of the Stars bowls during the Big Bash League match between the Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium on December 7, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) 2012 Getty Images- pic via: facebook.com/Lasith.malinga.99
It is important, therefore, to ask the question what could have made him behave in this manner. The answer that comes to my mind will not be very palatable to sections of the media or the cricketing public.
There has been a great deal of criticism levelled at Lasith Malinga for his decision to opt out of Test Cricket. This is difficult to understand. Anyone who has seen his delivery stride in super-slow motion would have noticed the enormous pressure that goes through his front (left) leg, particularly the knee. His unorthodox action makes him a formidable bowler. However, it also places so much strain on his front leg that it is humanly not possible for him to bowl the lengthy spells demanded in Test Cricket. This is a fact that has been publicly acknowledged by successive Sri Lanka captains and coaches, including most recently, Angelo Mathews.
In such circumstances, it is difficult to understand the totally unfair criticism that has been levelled at Lasith Malinga, including the questioning of his commitment to the national cause. Sri Lankan cricketers have brought a great deal of honour and glory to the country over the last 17 years. More recently, four finals in the last five ICC Tournaments is a remarkable record. Lasith Malinga’s contribution to these successes has been second to none. This puts into highly questionable perspective the small minded and carping criticism that he has had to counter from elements of the media and the cricketing public.
Lasith Malinga should have behaved better. However, our ignorance, fickleness and ingratitude is a far greater shame. It is particularly disturbing that a person with his extraordinary personal narrative should find himself in this predicament. Instead, his is a personal journey that should be celebrated by all Sri Lankans.COURTESY:THE ISLAND