Why is Malinga bowling action allowed?

In the modern game, the Sri Lankan pace bowler Lasith Malinga has a very distinctive action which is authentic roundarm. This has earned him the name “Slinga Malinga”. There are some who question the legality of this action, but it is legal, because his arm does not straighten from a bent position as he bowls.

What is the bowling style of Lasith Malinga?

Fast bowling
Lasith Malinga/Bowling styles

What is the bowling speed of Lasith Malinga?

His fastest delivery is 155.7 kmph bowled against New Zealand. Lasith Malinga or Slinga Malinga gets his speed from his slingy action which sends the ball at very high-speed with swing. He is known to have a great slower ball as well and an excellent inswinging yorker to boot for.

What is Slingy bowling action?

Another technique of fast bowling is the sling action. This action generates extra speed but sacrifices control. Exponents include Lasith Malinga, Mitchell Johnson, Fidel Edwards and Shaun Tait.

Is Lasith Malinga retired from T20I?

Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup winning captain, has announced his retirement from T20Is, marking his retirement from all formats of the game. He last played for Sri Lanka in March 2020, in a T20I vs West Indies.

What are the pros and cons of Lasith Malinga’s bowling action?

There are pros and cons. Lasith Malinga’s action uses every part of his body in generating pace. The ball is released from an unusually low point, which can catch out batsmen used to more conventional actions. If he swings the ball in, it will also dip, due to the angle of the seam.

Does Malinga’s action defy the laws of the game?

Lasith Malinga’s action may well defy the laws of anatomy but not the laws of the game. Daryl Foster and Bruce Elliott, two leading cricketing biomechanists, are adamant that the Sri Lankan’s unorthodox bowling style should be admired rather than admonished, as it pushes the boundaries of convention but remains within legal limits.

Why does Lasith Malinga bend his arm?

Lasith Malinga does not bend any of these. It is his arm that comes at a 90 degree bend which is permissible under the law. There are other bowlers who also bend the arm to a certain extent like Shaun Tait. Javagal Shrinath who now is match referee had explained this law and said that Malinga has a completely legal action.

What caused Malinga’s elbow injury?

Foster and Elliott believe that Malinga’s loose joints and tendons, not an over-extending elbow, are the contributing factors to his action, one in which his right arm follows through in an almost horizontal position.