Senanayake and Malinga likely to be part of New Zealand tour
Sri Lanka’s two frontline bowlers Lasith Malinga and Sachithra Senanayake are likely to be included for the tour of New Zealand.
Senanayake who underwent the second ICC scrutiny in Chennai last week is currently training with the national squad, but, officially is not a part of it.
Sachithra Senanayake at the nets - Pic Shantha Ratnayake
The ICC is due to release by the seventh of December the findings of his second test which was done in Chennai.
Provided the findings are positive Senanayake will also be included in Sri Lanka’s line of attack even against England during the latter half of the series.
Senanayake who was reported to the ICC about the concerns of his bowling action by the match officials during Sri Lanka’s tour of England early this year was subsequently banned from participating in competitive cricket by the authority after having him Tested at their accredited facility in Wales.
Meanwhile Lasith Malinga who was injured during the Champion’s trophy tournament in India, underwent surgery in Australia and is training with the national squad at present, but, it is said, will be in match fitness only by mid-January.
A senior spokesman of Sri Lanka Cricket said “Malinga is training with the squad at present and we are hoping to include him in the tour squad so that he would gain maximum match practice prior to the Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in late February.
The national selectors are to announce the initial World Squad of thirty players on December seventh and the Lankan cricketers are scheduled to leave for New Zealand on 18 December. Malinga and Senanayake are expected to be included in this list.