Steve Waugh shocked by Malinga’s axing

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has found it hard to understand why Sri Lanka left out what he calls the most potent fast bowling option (Lasith Malinga) for the first cricket Test now in progress in Brisbane.

Waugh believes that Malinga’s balls and style of bowling is unique to the team and feared the most by Australia.

"They (Sri Lanka) neglected to pick their most dangerous quick (fast bowler) Lasith Malinga who has the one attribute that caused Australia’s Ashes loss (to England), swing bowling", contends Waugh.

"Not only can he move the ball but he has real pace generated from an awkward low slinging action that takes time to adjust to and would have given the attack variety".

According to Waugh, Sri Lanka spent more time over-thinking on selections and analysed conditions too much.

Sri Lanka however defended the exclusion of Malinga in order to play Thilan Samaraweera as the seventh batsman.

"It was a team decision and it goes to show that Sri Lanka cricket is progressing with players (bowlers) to choose from", said vice captain Kumar Sangakkara.

Callistus Davy reporting from Brisbane for Daily Mirror

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