Sri Lankan veteran Lasith Malinga retired from ODIs just a few days back. The legend might continue playing international cricket till the ICC T20 World Cup next year. However, the Sri Lankans have found another bowler with the same action coming up through the ranks!

The young boy, Nuwan Thushara, plays for the Sinhalese Sports Club and has not only his slingy bowling action but also has his looks somewhat similar to Lasith Malinga. He was brought to play club cricket from a small town by his friend, who is also a club cricketer.

Nuwan is fondly called Podi (small/little) Malinga. He has met the legend and Lasith is now teaching him the nuances of bowling. Malinga told Indian Express, “I have been watching him for quite some time now. I’m teaching him now. He has a long way to go.”

Nuwan has had the bowling action since his childhood and has not copied the international cricketer. He said, “I used to bowl with a softball when a friend, who used to play competitive cricket took me to Colombo. There, I first played for Sinhalese Sports Club before moving on to Colombo Cricket Club. People say I must have copied Malinga but this action was how it has been since the start, as a boy.”

“People always said I should try to play leather-ball cricket but somehow I didn’t know how to go about it. Back at home, things aren’t that good as my father works as a helper in building houses,” he added.

Here is the video of Nuwan’s bowling action: