COLOMBO, Jan 19: As if murderous attack of Ajantha Mendis and Muttiah Muralitharan was not enough to torment Indian batsmen, another Sri Lankan bowling wizard Lasith Malinga is ready for a place in national team for the upcoming series between the two countries.

The 25-year-old paceman Malinga, who climbed into the World’s Top 10 bowlers in 2007, has been out of the national team since February last year due to a knee injury. He returned to competitive cricket for the first time since February 2008 and may be in reckoning to play in the One-dayers from next week by taking 3-34 in 10 overs in a domestic league match.

”I am thrilled to be back playing. It has been a difficult few months with my knee problem but I have worked really hard to get fit again and I’m now looking forward to playing more,” Malinga was quoted as saying by The Nation. “I want to get back in the national squad as soon as possible as I love playing for Sri Lanka, but I realise that I first have to prove to the selectors that I am fit and in form,” he said.

The fast bowler, who bowls with a unique round-arm action, has taken 79 wickets in 53 ODIs at 25.58 and 91 wickets in 28 Tests.—Agencies