Malinga says 'quick' money not behind decision to quit Test cricket

Brushing aside criticism that he quit Test cricket to be able to make quick money, Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga has said that he decided to leave the longer format to prolong his career.

The injury-prone bowler invited controversy when he made himself unavailable for Tests during the forthcoming tour of England because of a knee injury, but continued to play in the lucrative Twenty20 competition in India.

Malinga announced his retirement from Tests last week, saying injury prevented him from playing in the longest version of the game, and has since been under fire for picking club cricket over country, The Sydney Morning herald reports.

"The Test retirement was never about money. I can't be a commentator, coach or umpire. But I can bowl well and get wickets. It's unfair to say money was the root cause of my decision," Malinga told reporters in Colombo.

Malinga, the highest wicket-taker so far in the IPL with 16 scalps from six games, hoped his decision would allow him to play for at least four more years.

"My right knee is getting weaker each day. I have a long-standing degenerative condition that I need to carefully manage. I love playing for Sri Lanka. It's my dream to play for my country. I'm not sure if my knee will inflame again," he said.

Malinga said he was looking forward to playing the one-dayers and Twenty20s during Sri Lanka's tour of England, which starts next month.