Happy to make way for youngsters -Malinga

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga says he was very happy to make way for younger players as he calls time on his illustrious 15-year career in the 50-over format.

Malinga will play his final One-Day International in Colombo tomorrow in the first of three ODIs against Bangladesh, but hopes to continue playing in the shorter T20 format.

He told reporters today I am very happy to leave at this time. This is an opportunity for new players to prove themselves and prepare for the next World Cup. We may have had some setbacks, but we have the capability to win another World Cup;

Malinga, known for his trademark blond-highlighted mop, called on cricket administrators to be patient with up-and-coming stars and let them develop ahead of the next ODI World Cup.

He said the young players need to believe that they can deliver.Earlier this week, Malinga posted a video message on his wife's Facebook page saying he felt no ill will towards officials and players who may have tried to push him out of the ODI team.

He said he was sidelined by selectors two years ago but was able to prove his value at the recent World Cup, where he took four for 43 in Sri Lanka's league stage win over eventual champions England.

Malinga is leaving as Sri Lanka's third-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket with 335 wickets in 219 innings so far since his first ODI against the United Arab Emirates in 2004.

He was Sri Lanka's highest wicket-taker at the World Cup, claiming 13 wickets in seven innings.