Injured Malinga out of action for 6 – 9 months
Things are getting softened for the Slinger, who will be out of action for some time
The Lankan panel of medical experts who studied the case of injured fast bowler Lasith Malinga is of the opinion that the cricketer would be out of action for at least six to nine months, according to secretary Sri Lanka Cricket, Mohan de Silva.
Malinga, who is shrouded by a wall of controversy about the severity of his injury, was examined last week by a group of four top medical experts in the country.
Earlier owing to Malinga’s attitude of picking and choosing tournaments, the Lankan cricket administration was reluctant to give the fast bowler ‘No Objection Certificate’ to play for the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League. At that time SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala had said that the status of Malinga’s fitness needed to be assessed before the Board decides to give him the NOC.
Thereafter a string of incidents culminated in the bowler travelling to Mumbai and seeking medical advice where they too stated that the bowler would be out of action for a given period of time. Malinga travelled to Mumbai to meet the Indian medical experts without SLC clearance.
Promptly the SLC summoned him home and a medical team that comprised Prof Arjuna de Silva, Dr. Harindu Wijesinghe, Dr. Tharindu Wijesinghe and Dr. Kithsiri assessed the injuries of Malinga.
It was learned that Malinga, 32, is suffering from a bone bruise which doctors say occurs as a result of sustaining forceful impacts while indulging in sports. In the case of a bowler like Malinga, his left knee supports his entire body weight during his delivery stride.
Commenting on the current status of the bowler SLC secretary told the Sunday Times “The medical team had advised us initially he should rest and recuperate for three months before facing a second MRI scan to ascertain the progress. Then he could begin the second phase of his medical rehabilitation. However according medical experts it would be a good six to nine months before he could start his training sessions again”.
When asked about the impending disciplinary inquiry, de Silva said “We feel that he has suffered enough in his present plight and we don’t intend going harsh on him. He is scheduled to have a chat with the SLC CEO Ashley de Silva early next week. “