Malinga called up as cover for Zoysa

Sri Lanka have called up Lasith Malinga as fast-bowling cover for Nuwan Zoysa, who is expected to miss at least the first two games of their five-match one-day series in New Zealand after dislocating his finger during a rain-hit practice match on Tuesday.

The team management asked for him because of the uncertainty over exactly when Zoysa, a key bowler for Sri Lanka in one-day cricket this year, might be able to play again. They have decided to keep Zoysa in the squad, though, rather than send him home.

Malinga, 21, who bowls with a Jeff Thomson-like slingshot action, was due in New Zealand for the Test series anyway. He has so far made four ODI appearances since breaking into the squad in July.

He will depart for New Zealand on Christmas Eve, travelling via Singapore. The long journey means he is unlikely to be available for the first one-dayer on Boxing Day, which would leave Dilhara Fernando and Nuwan Kulasekera vying for the final seamer's spot.

Meanwhile, Muttiah Muralitharan's recovery from shoulder surgery is running smoothly. His final fitness test will now take place on December 28, but this is now considered a mere formality and he is expected to leave for New Zealand in the first week of January.