Lasith Malinga will need to change his run-up routine with new ICC rules – Sachin Tendulkar

Former legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar feels Sri Lanka’s veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga will need to change his run-up routine due to the new ICC rules. It is well known that Malinga has a ritual of kissing the ball before starting his run-up and he does the same for every ball he bowls.

With ICC Cricket Committee banning the use of saliva on the ball after consulting the medical experts during the Covid-19 era, Malinga will not be permitted to kiss the ball.

Meanwhile, ban on the saliva has drawn mixed reactions from the cricket boffins. Many of the former as well as current players feel that the ICC should come up with an alternative solution. Some of the players reckon that the pitches can be made bowling friendly to even out the contest between bat and ball.

The umpires will give two warnings to the fielding team if they are found using saliva on the ball. If the fielding team makes the same mistake on the third occasion, five penalty runs will be awarded to the opposition team.
 

On the other hand, Lasith Malinga is well known for his awkward action. Malinga has a slinging action and his release point is almost in front of the umpire, which makes him difficult to pick for a batsman.

The Sri Lankan experienced bowler also had express pace under his belt during his heydays. The right-arm pacer has one of the best yorkers in the game and has savoured great success with his block hole delivery.

Tendulkar shared the picture of Lasith Malinga kissing the ball just before catapulting into his run-up. The former Indian opener stated that a certain someone will need to change his run-up routine as per the new ICC rules.

Meanwhile, Lasith Malinga and Sachin Tendulkar share a great bonhomie with each other. Tendulkar is associated with Mumbai Indians and thus shares a great camaraderie with Malinga.

Malinga is one of the greatest ODI bowlers as he has scalped 338 wickets in 226 matches at an impressive average of 28.87. Sri Lanka players have resumed training and they are trying to get back into momentum.