While calling Lasith Malinga as one of the best in the cricket world, former Sri Lanka bowler Chaminda Vaas believes that the veteran pacer will be the key for Sri Lanka in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Vaas, World Cup winner in 1996, lavished praise on Malinga for his commitment towards the game and said the Islander will depend on the paceman’s influence both as a leader and bowler in the upcoming showpiece 50-over tournament in England and Wales.

On Tuesday, Vaas told media in Mumbai, “There is no doubt that Malinga is one of the best in the world, and the best in Sri Lanka. We depend on him as a bowler, and he showed his leadership qualities.”

The Lankan continued, “He has given 100 percent for the team. We have seen him playing in Mumbai (in the IPL) on one day and playing in Sri Lanka (in a domestic tournament) the next day. It shows the commitment he has and the commitment he has to the team and the country. He will be the key for Sri Lanka cricket in the upcoming World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Vaas is satisfied with Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad, adding: “For the last few months, Sri Lanka hasn't done so well. But if you analyze the combination of the team which we picked for the World Cup, I'm pretty sure that the selectors have done the right thing. We have to take it from there, and it's up to the players to get themselves in and play well for the country.”

With Sri Lanka opening their World Cup 2019 campaign against New Zealand on June 1 in Cardiff, Vaas was hopeful that the squad will come together and give their best under new captain Dimuth Karunaratne in the upcoming prestigious ICC event in England.

 Vaas signed off by saying, “The selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket have put their trust in Dimuth, and given him an opportunity to captain the side. I'm pretty sure the team will unite and will do well in the upcoming World Cup.”

(With Cricketnext Inputs)