A video has gone viral on social media in which Sri Lankan star Lasith Malinga is seen giving bowling tips to Australian all-rounder Marcus Stonis.
Having played in IPL and for the same side Mumbai Indians, Malinga had earlier helped Indian pace sensation Bumrah a lot. Carrying the legacy of IPL, Malinga was found giving tips to Stonis on how to bowl the slower ball.
“Variations are very important in the short-format game. During IPL also he (Stoinis) had wanted to know how I bowl [it],” Malinga told the media after the match in Southampton on Monday, 28 May.
“I wanted to give him tips – that’s how cricket moves forward. Whoever wants to know, I will help them. I’ll share tricks on how to bowl slow balls, which situation you will use it, why you want to use the slow one.”
Even after a heavy defeat, Lasith Malinga stuck around to teach Marcus Stoinis the secrets of his slower ball ? #SpiritOfCricket #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/xKtr1sJBfP
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 27, 2019
Malinga has variations in his bowling and which always keep the batsmen guessing what would come next. It is good to see players helping out each other on the world stage. That’s not a common sight but the IPL has changed the approach. Many players have started helping even when they are playing against each other.
“Cricket is a batsman’s game,” Malina agreed, “but bowlers can change the game.”
Malinga has taken most wickets (43) in the World Cup among current players. He is the only bowler to take 4 wickets in 4 balls (against South Africa in 2007). He is also the only bowler to take 3 hat-tricks in ODI.
