third eye
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[B]Wonder how many here consider his bowling action to be suspect ? I do.
[/B]
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=64035
The ever affable Malinga with his golden locks, sling action and devastating toe crushers has had a phenomenal run as a bowler. His popularity locally and internationally is astronomic. Surely he suffered his worst set-back at the T20 finals as far as Sri Lankans fans are concerned.
He has perhaps fuelled the wrath of his fans even further by proving he could be at his lethal best when he dons the blue colours of the Mumbai Indians. In a champions league match against South Africa (Island sports page 16/10) Malinga gave away only 18 runs in his four overs and bagged a wicket and a maiden over - a contrasting performance to what happened seven days earlier at the Premadasa Stadium.
Perhaps, it is the nature of the wicket at both these venues which made the difference. May be it was sheer nerves, whatever, the cricket pundits would certainly know more. One gentleman who wrote into the opinion column of this newspaper is of the view that Malinga should not be penalized too much for his appalling performance at the T20 finals because he has rescued us from so many defeats in the past. Yes, that is true, but it is the final that counts and the glory of taking that cup for the country. Ask Muttiah Muralidharan about the triumph and honour a World Cup holds.
Individual performances that mattered are nothing new in cricket, as Murali has demonstrated many times. However, I expected Mahela and the boys to play with the same depth and ferociousness that Arjuna Ranatunga and his team displayed at Lahore , many years ago. But alas, the victory script was all but torn asunder to the disappointment of millions of local fans here and abroad. Even the sponsors and organsers had to abandon some of their elaborate and expensive victory celebrations.
Malinga will no doubt arouse the concerns of Sri Lanka cricket, who may have to deal with him differently in the future. Malinga's loyalty to his country and his coaches could also become an ugly conundrum to mull over for the cricket administrators. If you will look at The Island poll on why we lost the T20 finals, you will see more than 45.98% think Malinga was awful.
In spite of his endearing demeanor and talent, would he momentarily become the punching bag of his fans? I wish this masterly individual all the best with his future.
[/B]
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=64035
The ever affable Malinga with his golden locks, sling action and devastating toe crushers has had a phenomenal run as a bowler. His popularity locally and internationally is astronomic. Surely he suffered his worst set-back at the T20 finals as far as Sri Lankans fans are concerned.
He has perhaps fuelled the wrath of his fans even further by proving he could be at his lethal best when he dons the blue colours of the Mumbai Indians. In a champions league match against South Africa (Island sports page 16/10) Malinga gave away only 18 runs in his four overs and bagged a wicket and a maiden over - a contrasting performance to what happened seven days earlier at the Premadasa Stadium.
Perhaps, it is the nature of the wicket at both these venues which made the difference. May be it was sheer nerves, whatever, the cricket pundits would certainly know more. One gentleman who wrote into the opinion column of this newspaper is of the view that Malinga should not be penalized too much for his appalling performance at the T20 finals because he has rescued us from so many defeats in the past. Yes, that is true, but it is the final that counts and the glory of taking that cup for the country. Ask Muttiah Muralidharan about the triumph and honour a World Cup holds.
Individual performances that mattered are nothing new in cricket, as Murali has demonstrated many times. However, I expected Mahela and the boys to play with the same depth and ferociousness that Arjuna Ranatunga and his team displayed at Lahore , many years ago. But alas, the victory script was all but torn asunder to the disappointment of millions of local fans here and abroad. Even the sponsors and organsers had to abandon some of their elaborate and expensive victory celebrations.
Malinga will no doubt arouse the concerns of Sri Lanka cricket, who may have to deal with him differently in the future. Malinga's loyalty to his country and his coaches could also become an ugly conundrum to mull over for the cricket administrators. If you will look at The Island poll on why we lost the T20 finals, you will see more than 45.98% think Malinga was awful.
In spite of his endearing demeanor and talent, would he momentarily become the punching bag of his fans? I wish this masterly individual all the best with his future.
