Sri Lanka Cricket today decided to rest paceman Lasith Malinga for the second cricket Test against India, starting Monday, due to a stiff knee.
Malinga's absence will be a big blow for the hosts as he had made an impressive comeback to Test cricket by taking seven wickets, five in the second innings, in Sri Lanka's comprehensive 10-wicket win in the first match at Galle.
Malinga is likely to be replaced by Dilhara Fernando.
SLC officials maintained that Malinga is not injured.
"There is no injury as such to Malinga. Since he is coming after a long break, he is being rested. We want to protect him and he may play third Test," Nishnata Ranatunga, SLC secretary said.
"He only has some strain which is common to fast bowlers," said Sri Lanka's Media Manager Brian Thomas.
Fernando in all likelihood will take place of Malinga but the Lankan team management also has option in Dammika Prasad and Nuwan Kulasekara.
Ajantha Mendis, who tormented Indians in their last tour here, will take place of Muralitharan.
Mendis took six wickets in the only practice game before the Test series but was ignored by the selectors in the for the first Test.
