Money did not influence Test retirement: Malinga

Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga rubbished suggestions that he retired from Test cricket to able to earn some quick money by playing in cash-awash tournaments such as Indian Premier League.

Malinga chose to skip the Test series against England, citing a knee injury, but continued to play in the IPL.

He then quit Test cricket after being asked by the Sri Lanka Cricket to return home for a rehabilitation programme instead of continuing playing for his IPL side Mumbai Indians.

"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, the highest wicket-taker so far in the IPL with 16 wickets, told reporters.

Malinga is hoping that his decision will help him extend his international career.

"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."

Malinga has expressed desire to play the ODIs and Twenty20s against England. The tour is starting next month.