Lasith Malinga's participation in T20I series against New Zealand is also under doubt.
©REUTERS / Action Images
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Injured Lasith Malinga ruled out of New Zealand ODI series
Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga is set to miss the One-Day International series against New Zealand due to the knee injury that he suffered against West Indies in October.
Thisara Perera, who was named as the cover for Malinga has joined the Sri Lankan squad in Christchurch, while the 32-year-old has stayed back at home.
Sri Lankan team manager Jerry Woutersz revealed that it is not yet decided when Malinga will be joining the squad in New Zealand.
“He has not come for the ODIs,” Woutersz said.
“He's feeling some discomfort in his knee.
“Whether he will come between the ODIs and T20s - no one knows.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan expressed that Sri Lanka will miss the services of Malinga in the upcoming series.
"What a contributor Malinga has been over a number of years for Sri Lanka," McMillan said.
"He has been their key fast bowler. He's a handful.
“I'm sure they'll miss him, but it gives an opportunity to some other younger guys in the squad."
New Zealand's Kane Williamson is also a doubtful starter for the first ODI with a knee injury while Tom Latham has been picked as a cover.
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