We just stuck to our basic plan: Malinga

Lasith Malinga insisted he had done nothing new after starring in Sri Lanka’s stunning World Cup win over England at Headingley on Friday.

The veteran paceman took four for 43 as Sri Lanka, defending a modest 232-9, beat England by 20 runs to open up the race for a semifinal spot.

Malinga’s haul saw him become the fourth bowler to take 50 wickets at the World Cup after Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan and Wasim Akram.

“We know how hard Ben Stokes hits it, he got two or three boundaries but we just kept bowling our stock ball,” said Malinga. “We stuck to our basic plan - line and length, no loose balls and add in some variations and bouncers.”

Meanwhile, Buttler said Malinga remained as awkward to face as ever.

“He is just different - as much as you do face him he is different,” Buttler insisted. “The stumps are always in play with him, with his release point if it hits you in line it’s generally close (to getting you out).

“We didn’t counter him as well as we could have today but credit to a fantastic bowler.”

Sri Lanka next play strugglers South Africa in Chester-le-Street a week on Friday and an elated Malinga said: “We want to carry on the momentum and confidence into the other matches.”