21 Apr 2011

Doubts over fast bowler's self-diagnosis

7:22 am on 21 April 2011

Sri Lanka's chief cricket selector has doubts over Lasith Malinga's reasons for not being available for the upcoming tour of England.

Sri Lanka have been forced to leave out their star fast bowler with Malinga declaring himself injured despite still playing in the rich Indian Premier League.

Chief selector Duleep Mendis says it looks dubious when Malinga says he's injured and can't play Tests, but continues to bowl well in the IPL.

He says they've written and asked him to return home immediately to begin rehabilitation.

Malinga, who last played a Test in August last year, was in top form during the recent World Cup.

The colourful Malinga has taken 101 wickets in 30 Tests in a seven-year career.