‘Rhythm's back, not the blues

Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga believes his bowling rhythm is returning at the World Cup after undergoing ankle surgery in September.

The sling-arm fast bowler has relied on pain killing injections to make it through his matches at the tournament but says he is feeling more comfortable on the field.

The 31-year-old said he doesn't expect to play pain-free but wants to be a part of Sri Lanka's bid to win a second World Cup after losing in the last two finals.

"I really struggled after my surgery," Malinga said.

"There's still pain in my ankle, but I had to get used to it. Because I wanted to play in this World Cup, whether that meant injections or whatever."