Cricket: Sri Lanka call up Malinga as fast bowling cover

COLOMBO - Sri Lanka's selectors have called up fast bowler Lasith Malinga for the five-match one-day cricket series against New Zealand.

Malinga, 21, will leave for New Zealand on Friday to provide pace bowling back-up after left-armer Nuwan Zoysa dislocated his finger during a warm-up match against Central Districts in New Plymouth on Tuesday.

The team management requested an extra seamer when it became clear that Zoysa's injury would prevent him playing for at least the first two matches and possibly longer.

Zoysa was injured while attempting a catch off his own bowling and also suffered a deep cut that required stitches.

Malinga is unlikely to be considered for the first match as Dilhara Fernando and Nuwan Kulasekera are both vying for the final pace bowling spot.

Malinga, who bowls with an unusual round-arm action, broke into the Sri Lanka squad in July and has played four one-dayers, although he is mainly considered a test bowler at present.

Wet weather has so far hampered the tourist's preparations. Their first warm-up was abandoned mid-way through and their final practice match in Hamilton on Thursday was washed out without a ball being bowled.

- REUTERS