Sri Lanka's Malinga a major doubt for Cricket World Cup

Sri Lanka's fast bowling ace Lasith Malinga is a major doubt for next year's World Cup as he is set to undergo Arthroscopy surgery on his left ankle.

The star bowler is likely to be out of action for at least four months and could miss the ICC Cricket World Cup which begins in New Zealand and Australia on February 14.

“Malinga will leave for Australia on Saturday morning as we are keen to see him recover as early as possible for the World Cup. Obviously, he is one of the most crucial players for Sri Lanka’s chances,” Sri Lanka Cricket's Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya told Daily Mirror.

Malinga had been receiving anti-inflammatory injections when the issue had flared up in the past, but the bowler’s troublesome ankle had failed to response to the treatment after an injection on September 5 which prompted Sri Lankan authorities to spring into action, according to the report.

Sri Lanka's World Cup winning T20 captain turned out for Mumbai Indians in the qualifying round of the Champions League Twenty20.

Malinga is certain to miss Sri Lanka’s home series against England who will play seven One-Day Internationals from November 26 to December 16.

He is also likely to miss almost all matches in the way ODI series against New Zealand who would also play seven ODIs from January 11 to 29 next year, it added.

“We hope he will be able to play a few matches against New Zealand as it is important to get match fitness before World Cup starts,” Jayasuriya said.

Malinga will undergo surgery under renowned surgeon Dr. David Young at 'The Avenue’ Private Hospital in Melbourne.

Sri Lanka team’s physiotherapist Steve Mount has revealed that Malinga has suffered a "long term issue with chronic left ankle pain" due to "a combination of cartilage degeneration, excessive bone in the joint, and bone marrow ocedema".

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