Lasith Malinga`s rehabilitation from a serious knee injury passed another milestone last week as he returned to competitive cricket for the first time since February 2008.

Malinga, now 25, starred for Nondescripts Cricket Club against Bloomfield in the Premier League Limited Over competition, taking 3 for 34 from 10 overs.

Malinga had suffered a bone contusion in his knee an injury triggered by repetitive impact during the CB Series last year and has since undergone extensive treatment and physiotherapy to regain full fitness.

`I am thrilled to be back playing,` Malinga said after his comeback game.

`It has been a difficult few months with my knee problem but I have worked really hard to get fit again and I`m now looking forward to playing more.`

`I want to get back in the national squad as soon as possible as I love playing for Sri Lanka, but I realise that I first have to prove to the selectors that I am fit and in form.`

Malinga was one of the 2007 World Cup`s star performers and during the year he climbed into the World`s Top 10 bowlers, according to official ICC rankings.

The fast bowler, who bowls with a unique round-arm action, has taken 79 wickets in 53 ODI`s at 25.58 and 91 wickets in 28 Tests.