Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga on Saturday said the three-match T20I series against India, starting on Sunday, will be of great help for the team to prepare for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

“Yes, this series is going to help us a lot to prepare our young players for the World Cup. Unlike India, where they have a lot of options to play T20, we don’t have the luxury. So this series and few more can help us,” Malinga said on Saturday.

About India speedster Jasprit Bumrah’s return to international cricket, Malinga said: “I am happy that he has returned. He did not play for so many months. He is a finisher in his own right and can change a game. And, T20 is the kind of game where, I believe, not only batsmen but bowlers too can win matches. We will have to handle them strategically.”

Asked if his experience of playing with Bumrah in the Indian Premier League can help his side, the Lankan pacer said: “He is my team-mate and he is really a very good international bowler. I know Bumrah, but I am not a batsman. I can only pass on information about his attitude, his bowling skills and others. But the batsmen will have to be able to handle him the smarter way.”

About Angelo Mathews’ return to the side, he said: “He has not played for the last one-and-a-half years due to injury. But, he is a very experienced player. He is a finisher and can change any game. I am happy for him.”

On his vision for the year ahead, Malinga said: “The next few months will be very important for us in the run-up to the World Cup. Especially, this series is very important.”