Malinga in for second test against India

Malinga has been rested on medical advice for the second Test that starts from Monday. He was largely responsible in helping bowl his side to a 10-wicket victory over India in the first Test on Thursday. The team physiotherapist Tommy Simsek has advised for his rest after the bowler complained of stiffness in his right knee.

Chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva said, “We have to be cautious with Malinga. He was not feeling quite fit to go through a five-day Test. He complained of stiffness in his knee,” The 26-year-old Malinga, who only returned to the Test arena at Galle after December 2007 because of an injury to the knee, took five for 50 in India’s second innings and his feat helped his side to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Dilhara Fernando will replace Malinga. Ajantha Mendis also has been included in the 16-man squad and is likely to take the now retired Muttaiah Muralitharan’s position. Mendis took six for 67 in a three-day game against India but was not selected for the first Test.Muralitharan had retired after he took his 800th Test wicket at Galle.

Former captain Mahela Jayewardene will replace Muralitharan as Kumar Sangakkara’s vice-captain.