Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga is set to make his long-awaited return to international cricket after being named to take on Australia in the three-game T20 series.

Malinga last played international cricket over twelve months ago, where he took 4-26 against the UAE in an Asia Cup T20 match.

A bone bruise in his left knee has kept the former Sri Lankan captain out for an extensive period of time, missing both the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League last year.

Malinga still holds the best bowling record in the Big Bash, posting figures of 6-7 against the Perth Scorchers in BBL02 for the Melbourne Stars.

Sri Lanka will be without skipper Angelo Mathews who is out of the series with a hamstring injury when they take on the Aussies at home.

Sri Lanka squad

Upal Tharanga (c), Niroshan Dickwella, Asela Gunarathna, Dilshan Munaweera, Kusal Mendis, Milinda Siriwardena, Sachith Pathirana, Chamara Kapugedara, Seekuge Prassanna, Nuan Kulaskera, Isuru Udana, Dasun Chanaka, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga, Vikum Sanjaya. (Sporting News)