Popular: ICC rankings | Rohan Gavaskar | Sydney Barnes | IPL
The Inbox

« The case for a larger Test pool | WCL matches hit by bad timing »
July 7, 2010
Posted on 07/07/2010 in Bowling
Murali's greatest hits of the noughties

From Imran Coomaraswamy, United Kingdom

The world's greatest match-winner? © AFP

Earlier this year, a 60-strong panel of experts took part in a poll to select Cricinfo’s Cricketer of the 2000s. Ricky Ponting’s list of accomplishments as leader of the dominant Test and ODI team of the era justifiably earned him the top spot.

If separate prizes were awarded for each of the game’s formats, however, I would have given the trophy for champion Test cricketer to Muttiah Muralitharan. The “Milestone Man” took one and a half times as many wickets as Makhaya Ntini, the next highest wicket-taker in the Noughties, at a McGrath-like average and Waqar-esque strike rate. As Cricinfo pointed out, he remains top of the pile even if “cheap” wickets taken against Zimbabwe* and Bangladesh are excluded. His astonishing 20 ten-wicket hauls in 84 matches include at least one against every Test-playing nation. He won more Man-of-the-Match and Man-of-the-Series awards than any other player and propelled Sri Lanka from close to the bottom of the Test rankings to within a series win of top spot. What’s more, he achieved all this in the "Age of the Bat." If 55 is the new 50 as far as batting averages are concerned, just how good is a bowling average of 23.48 against the top eight teams? To my mind, Murali was the decade’s greatest match-winner by some distance, as well as its “greatest joy-giver.”

Murali does not play for one of the three nations – India, England and Australia – that dominate cricket’s money-making and its mass media. He has not had the advantage of the stage provided by a “marquee series” like the Ashes or India-Australia to help him grab the world’s attention. In fact, he has never even been afforded a five Test series in which to showcase his mastery: the majority of Sri Lanka’s series since 2000 have been just two Tests long, and none in their history more than three. As such, his moments of magic – just as important as statistics and records when it comes to achieving sporting immortality – perhaps do not get as much attention as they should.

Described below are the six moments that I believe were “Murali’s Greatest Hits of the Noughties.” On all these occasions – three at home and three away, each against a different opponent – Murali took ten wickets, won a Man-of-the-Match/Series award and ensured Sri Lanka emerged victorious.

Two in two in the twilight: 10 for 148 v Pakistan, Peshawar, 2000

One over of play left on the fourth day at Peshawar and a low-scoring match was delicately poised. A fiery Shoaib Akhtar had restricted Sri Lanka to 268 in their first innings and Pakistan had then slipped from 137 for 2 to 199 all out, with Murali the wrecker-in-chief. Thanks to Russell Arnold’s battling 99, Sri Lanka had set Pakistan a stiff victory target of 294, but at 220 for 6, the home side were very much in the game. Saeed Anwar was back at the crease after retiring hurt earlier in the innings and alongside him was Mohammad Yousuf (then Yousuf Youhana), who had counterattacked brilliantly, smashing three sixes and eight fours on his way to 88.

Enter Murali. Flighting the ball invitingly and generating massive turn off a slowing wicket, he trapped Yousuf leg before, before getting Waqar Younis to prod the very next ball to silly point. It took Sri Lanka just ten balls to finish off proceedings the next morning. Murali missed out on a hat-trick but did pick up the last wicket, sealing the match and the series.

Bat first, bat big, and let Murali do the rest: 13 for 171 v South Africa, Galle, 2000

Sri Lanka have won 31 of 53 home Tests since the turn of the millennium. In most of those matches, they have relied on a simple formula: bat first, bat big, and let Murali do the rest. This plan has never worked better than in the first Test against Shaun Pollock’s South Africa in 2000. A trademark onslaught from Sanath Jayasuriya and a big hundred from Mahela Jayawardene took Sri Lanka to 522 all out. Spectators watched from the ramparts of the Galle Fort as Sri Lanka then employed their siege engine. Two days later, Murali had taken 13 for 171 from 76 overs and the tourists had been bowled out twice. Jayasuriya summed things up nicely: “Murali bowled very well and everything else just fell into place.”

These days captains often turn down the chance to enforce the follow on as they are worried about tiring out their bowlers. Sri Lankan captains have had no such worries, even when temperatures on the island exceeded 35 degrees celsius. A spinner he may be, but Murali’s stamina – both physical and mental – is pretty much unprecedented.

Four in four: 10 for 135 v West Indies, Kandy, 2001

For most bowlers, a ten-for is a career-defining moment. Murali, on the other hand, has dealt in multiples of ten. At Kandy in 2001, he completed his fourth consecutive ten-wicket haul. Many people remember this particular tour as “Brian Lara v Sri Lanka,” as Lara scored 688 runs in six innings and yet failed to stop Sri Lanka winning 3-0. In this, the decisive second Test, Lara fell to Murali in the first innings and an umpiring blunder in the second. Life after Brian was not pleasant for the visitors. Murali took 4 for 9 in 14 balls to clinch Sri Lanka’s first ever series win over the West Indies.

A duel won and a devastating dose of déjà vu: 11 for 132 v England, Trent Bridge, 2006

Kevin Pietersen took the attack to Murali at Lord’s in 2006, famously switch-hitting him for six on the way to a superb century. Pietersen scored another crucial ton as England went 1-0 up at Edgbaston, though Murali gave the home side plenty of jitters as they chased down a small fourth innings target.

At Trent Bridge, Sri Lanka’s batsmen finally produced decent showings in both innings and set England 325 to win. Murali had taken already taken the first three wickets to fall when he ripped the heart out of England’s resistance in one sublime over. First, he won his personal duel with Pietersen, foxing him with a topspinner as he tried to charge down the track; KP found himself in quite a tangle and the ball bobbled up off pad and glove to Tillakaratne Dilshan at short leg. Next up was England’s acting captain Andrew Flintoff, who lasted just four balls. Murali ripped a doosra past the outside edge of the bat before tossing up an off-break that found the inside edge and lobbed straight to Dilshan once again.

Thereafter, the only question was whether Murali could take all ten wickets in the innings. In the end, he had to make do with 8 for 70, still the best ever figures at Trent Bridge. For England, it was a case of déjà vu. Their second loss to Sri Lanka on home soil had come in a similar manner to the first (at the Oval in 1998), courtesy of a Murali masterclass.

Filling his boots in Wellington: 10 for 118 v New Zealand, Wellington, 2006

Sri Lanka’s batsmen had struggled on a green-top in Christchurch but coped much better with similar seamer-friendly conditions at Basin Reserve. Kumar Sangakkara scored an unbeaten 150 in their first innings before Chamara Silva repeated the feat in their second. In between, Lasith Malinga terrorised the Kiwis with a lethal mixture of bouncers and yorkers. By the third and fourth days, however, the pitch had slowed down, leaving it up to Murali to finish the job. That he did, and in some style. His 6 for 87 levelled the series and completed an incredible sequence of performances in the second half of 2006. He had taken 60 wickets in six matches, all against major opposition (England away, South Africa at home, New Zealand away), including another set of four consecutive ten-fors.

Bamboozling the best: 11 for 110 v India, Sinhalese Sports Club, 2008

In the last 30 years, few spinners have genuinely troubled India’s batsmen, with the likes of Warne, Qadir, MacGill and Vettori all conceding around 50 runs per wicket against them. Murali has had to bowl more than 1100 overs at Indian batsmen in his career, 30% more than anyone else in history (60% more than Warne), and has averaged a very respectable 33.34. One of his very best spells came in a defeat at the Feroz Shah Kotla in 2005. His 5 for 23 on the second morning included the wickets of Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dhoni (to go with those of Dravid and Laxman, collected the previous day) and he single-handedly brought Sri Lanka back into that game. However, Sri Lanka failed to capitalise on Murali’s first innings heroics, just as they had done against Australia at Galle a year earlier.

At the S.S.C. in 2008, things were different, as Murali had top quality support** in the form of “mystery spinner” Ajantha Mendis. Far from feeling threatened by the hype surrounding Mendis’ debut, Murali rose to the occasion magnificently. When India followed on, they promoted Laxman to number three, no doubt hoping for a repeat of Eden Gardens in 2001. Murali had other ideas. He followed up his five-for in the first innings with a magical 6 for 26 in the second. Perhaps the sweetest moment was the dismissal of Gautam Gambhir, who was stumped smartly by Prasanna Jayawardene when a fizzing off-break dipped late and darted past his attempted off-drive. India lost by the mammoth margin of an innings and 239 runs. While his apprentice stole the show later in the series, Murali had certainly made his mark.

* It is debatable whether the wickets Murali took against a Flower-powered Zimbabwe pre 2003 were really any cheaper than those harvested by Warne and McGrath in a succession of one-sided Ashes contests. It’s seldom mentioned that Murali has bagged 112 wickets in just 16 matches against England – seven per Test – while no other bowler has managed even six per Test against them over more than a couple of series. Had Murali been given the chance to take part in a biennial England bonanza, he might well have passed the 900-wicket mark by now…

** It is unlikely that Murali would have bagged so many ten-fors if he had had to queue up to bowl after Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding and Joel Garner. On the other hand, who is to say he would not have been even more prolific had he lined up alongside Glenn McGrath and a solid support cast that helped pile the pressure on opposition batsmen? After all, Murali’s two purplest patches coincided with Chaminda Vaas’ most successful year (2001) and Lasith Malinga’s most potent period in Tests (2006).

Comments (64)
Posted by: avis at July 7, 2010 3:57 PM

Its true that Murali is great spinner of all time. My best regards to him on his feats.

Posted by: Mahin de SIlva at July 7, 2010 4:36 PM

Wow, certainly some interesting statistics which not many people would know.considering the amount of tests that are awarded to SL and how little visibility SL get's in the International Test arena in direct comparison to the Aussies, Indians, & the English cricketers, his achievements far surpasses those before him and those that are to come. my mind cannot comprehend the impact he would have made to Global cricket & attention he would have received had he been an Australian, Indian or an English Player playing 15- 20 tests every year. He achieved so much with so little.

Posted by: Pradeep at July 7, 2010 4:49 PM

brilliant article..and to add to that there were some stunning performances in the 1990's as well!

Posted by: Khem at July 7, 2010 5:45 PM

Well said!! Murali is the best spinner ever!

Posted by: Horace Manners at July 7, 2010 8:06 PM

It's a great shame Murali wasn't able to take his wickets with a legitimate action, and that the rules were changed to accomodate it. An exceptional talent in many ways, and a charming man, but a bent elbow remains a massive (and wholly unfair) advantage.

Posted by: Cricket lover at July 7, 2010 8:51 PM

I like Murali

Posted by: Imraan at July 7, 2010 9:03 PM

Farewell Murali. You have always brought joy to a match with your unfailing spirit and your smile - and don't forget those audacious batting shots!

A grateful South African supporter.

Posted by: Manojh at July 7, 2010 10:05 PM

Murali you have done Sri Lanka very proud and a great son of mother lanka and your name will be written in gold in our history books for bringing fame and glory to SL and also for all Sri Lankans.You also have made all Kandyans very proud where you hail from.

Posted by: Aizad at July 7, 2010 10:11 PM

Yes, he has been a great wicket taker for Sri Lankan cricket, but he has also been instrumental in creating the 15 degree bent arm rule for spin bowlers. I personally know of a club cricket off spin bowler who bowls like Murli, albeit with a lesser arm bending, but is no balled repeatedly!!

Posted by: Ravi at July 8, 2010 12:17 AM

Murali achieved all this amidst a level of adversity and ridicule, at times being the subject of certain campaigns of powerful cricket administrators/bodies/personalities and even the media of certain countries. He even managed to draw unfriendly comments from a Prime Minister at the time. No other 'greats' of the game had to endure the level of doubt and disaffection.
All what he has achieved, has been without the reliance of performance enhancing drugs and only with resilience - sheer guts and determination. He was not from a powerful influential bloc, only that he was from tiny strife torn nation of 20m.
He did have a certain condition - a physical deformity
Certainly he had friends and supporters everywhere.
This is not a cricketing story...this is a human story...a real triumph of human resilience.

Posted by: Amol at July 8, 2010 12:22 AM

wow... what a tribute to a truely deserving legend..

Posted by: PRG at July 8, 2010 12:54 AM

Notable lack of great performances against Australia.
Murali is a great of the game. But Warne was the better bowler.

Posted by: Anthony at July 8, 2010 1:12 AM

A truly superb article. The footnotes were the most telling. I am a Sri Lankan fan and did not realise how well Murali did against India. This article made my day and only increased my appreciation of the legend. Thanks Imran, you are the definition of a proper cricket fan: intelligent, articulate and stat-crazy.

Posted by: Aazim at July 8, 2010 2:17 AM

evidence based., wonderfully written.
Not only the facts and arguments highlighted, most of the tracks in the sub-continent are batting friendly, but Murali still prevailed in the most destructive way.
Another side of the strory is what if Murali get seamer friendly and bouncy wickets. I'm pretty sure Murali would be the most delighted to bowl in those tracks which preserve energy while allowing close fielders a wonderful busy day in office.

Salute this gentleman, the greatest bowler ever to grace a cricketing field.

Posted by: Abbas at July 8, 2010 3:26 AM

A Superb Article for a true legend. Murali I wish I was in Galle to watch you trill us for the last time in Test Cricket. All the best for the 800, you can do it. Remember what Bradman said, no man is greater than cricket, lets see if you are. Your biggest biggest Fan.

Posted by: Vineesh Vedsen at July 8, 2010 4:16 AM

Murali was a failure against India in India. How does it affect him so much being in India and Sri Lanka beats me !!!!!

Posted by: Sri at July 8, 2010 4:50 AM

Murali is greatest!! Murali is Murali, Warne is Warn!!
Murali is best of the best!!!

Posted by: catalyst213 at July 8, 2010 4:54 AM

This a superb article and definately an eye-opener, I didnt know Murli has bagged 112 wickets in just 16 matches against England. And it also very true that Sri Lanka has on average played only 2 tests against any opponet. Murli is the best bowler in the world and with no doubts the highest wicket-taker of all time and had he played 5 tests every year or 2 like Warne did, then he would have around 1000 wickets or so by now. Murli we salute you and wish you all the best. Im not Sri lankan but does it really matter.

Posted by: Vinod at July 8, 2010 5:01 AM

Murali is one of the most loved sportsmen in cricket. I personally get inspired by his presence on the field. Don't know why people are taking this opportunity to compare him with Shane Warne (hey dudes, grow up...do you compare your moms with your dads?)...Have some sense and accept the fact that both Warne and Murali have been legends, they both played the game differently, and thats their greatness...give them their due credits. I wish Murali all the very best for his remaining cricketing season and wish I will hear of him after retirement too. Well done, genius!! Proud of you.

Posted by: Srinivas at July 8, 2010 5:06 AM

Great article! He is one of the great spinner cricket has produced. Time for the youngsters carry the torch.

Posted by: Dasith at July 8, 2010 5:41 AM

Notable lack of great performances against Aus? Really? Don't you remember the AUS-SL series in 2004 - I think he got 26 wickets in 3 matches. Is that notable enough for you?

Posted by: Tayyab at July 8, 2010 5:47 AM

Murali you were the best ever andto those whosay warne was better they should go to an eye and brain spacialist. you single handed ly won the games for sri lanka unlike warne who has the help of some very fine bowlers and feilders and ofcourse the patriotic aussie umpires which you never had and still matchless career.
those who say you bowled more overs to get wicket than warne well they sould see the strike rates in which warne poorer strike rate than yours.
i wonder how terrifying it would have been for the batsmen had you would have paired up with wasim and waqar. i think some might have feign injuries in that match

Posted by: Asoka Liyanage at July 8, 2010 6:10 AM

Thank You Very Much for your service to the Nation.

Asoka Liyanage

Posted by: vishy venkat at July 8, 2010 6:39 AM

wonderfully complied article. vividly brings the best of Murali's six magical moments. In fact you can write bout his 20 ten for in 20 separate articles.

Fr some one from small island which witnessed a carnival of one day friendly game with English cricketers whenever they tour India in 60's, a legend has written his name in indelible ink in the world Cricket. ;even subcontnent test players who are experts in tackling spin could not 'read'his doosras and perished. no chance for firangi players who have no clue about his flippers

Posted by: Selva at July 8, 2010 6:42 AM

Cricket is the only game which will decide how great a cricketer is by the statistics, If you go through the stats he is the greatest of all the bowlers.Can any one remember Steve Waugh mentioned Mural is a bowling Bradman.In other words Sir Bradman tops Batting and Murali tops bowling.Undoubtedly Murali is a far better bowler than Warne.Mr PRG please look into the stats.
Australians always critisise every one

Posted by: saliman b at July 8, 2010 6:45 AM

Shane warne was great...but Murali was better.... why?look at the support cast Warne had,in comparison to what Murali had. You need pressure at both ends to create opportunities to get wickets. In case of Srilanka it was Murali 2/3 and Vass 1/3...

Posted by: saliman b at July 8, 2010 6:46 AM

Shane warne was great...but Murali was better.... why?look at the support cast Warne had,in comparison to what Murali had. You need pressure at both ends to create opportunities to get wickets. In case of Srilanka it was Murali 2/3 and Vass 1/3...

Posted by: stuart at July 8, 2010 7:22 AM

All lankans alike should salute a stalwart like murali, he cast aside many barriers and in the meantime re-wrote the record books time and time again.
Good luck murali with your future endeavours.

Posted by: Raji at July 8, 2010 7:29 AM

Thanks Imran Coomaraswamy, good article

Posted by: chris_jay at July 8, 2010 7:33 AM

notable lack of great performances against australia - coz, really.. how often did sri lanka get to play australia? besides, like its been said so many times, performances against india, the best players of spin, count more than performances against australia. and like warne himself has said, there's really no picking the better bowler out of the two. its really based on opinion.

Posted by: Sriram at July 8, 2010 7:51 AM

@PRG: lack of great performances against Australia does'nt make Murali a lesser bowler than Warne. If so, Warne has poor record in India.

Posted by: Plato at July 8, 2010 8:04 AM

Haha "Biennial England Bonanza"!

Posted by: Indian_Cricket_Fan at July 8, 2010 8:35 AM

really a good article for a true champion.I am good fan of Murali. I wish him all the best for "800"mark. I wish, I would watch his Farewell Test Match. Saw many up &down earlier in his career. ALL THE BEST MURALI.

Posted by: Sachal Lakhwani at July 8, 2010 8:42 AM

Dear Sir
Excellent article, showing the brillance of Murli...Murli is easily the best bowler in cricket history, but Warne being an Aussie got rated higher...Yes Warne had more variety but don't we respect Sir Don as the greatest batsman just based on statistics, (if going by flair, George Headley, and Greame Pollock might have been rated higher) so why shouldn't Murli be rated the best on stats.
Cheers
Sachal

Posted by: Siddharth at July 8, 2010 8:50 AM

Sir, the Trent Bridge analysis is wrong. Murali actually took 11/132. He took three wickets in the first innings.

Posted by: Mrizvi at July 8, 2010 8:50 AM

Great article, and the comments by readers icing on the cake. Only PRG out of all cannot accept the facts. There will always be one or two going by emotions. I still cannot understand people like Bishen Bedi not accepting Murali's achievements. As one reader says this is a story of a human rising above all challenges against all odds.

Posted by: Babu at July 8, 2010 9:16 AM

A nice article.No one greater than murali.he is simply a legend for spinners.But it is very sad that his service to test cricket is going to end in Galle test..All the Best Murali.

Posted by: Buddhika at July 8, 2010 9:21 AM

22 ten wicket hauls in just 132 matches against just 10 of Warn's in 145 matches.
792 wickets in 132 against Warn's 709 in 145.If some body says you are not the greatest test bowler ever.They lack intellect.
You played against the same nations that Warne played against.Those who conspired against you knew that as long as you play the game no one else can have the record for most number of wickets.That's why those hypocrats tried to remove you from the scene.If you were not such a great bowler you wouldn't be called a chucker.That also came out when you started getting hundreds of wicket's.It is pretty obvious when you think where it came from.
Bogus media do not make greats only character and performance make greats.
Fact is a fact no one can change it.You are the greatest ever your record stands for it.The crown is your's.Thanks for the great memories.We love you for ever.

Posted by: faisal mashood at July 8, 2010 9:26 AM

murali you were always wonderful on the cricket ground ,though you have come up from so many allegations like "throughing the ball & all' but you would remain always a great spinner of all the time...many many best wishes for your future...

Posted by: RC at July 8, 2010 9:33 AM

Murali's records are not just the triumph of a cricketer but also a triumph of the human spirit.

Posted by: Pradeep at July 8, 2010 10:07 AM

hats off for his achivements !!

Posted by: Tapan at July 8, 2010 10:30 AM

Murali is one of the legend in world cricket. No one in the world can achieve his feet. He has the ability to won the match single handled at any moment of the match. As a batsman we never imagine that Sachin Tendulkar & Brian Lara are produced ever, similarly we never forget the magic of murali. Really he is brilliant forever...

Posted by: Charindra at July 8, 2010 10:43 AM

Oh, he's the greatest spinner there has ever been. I thought I was saying that out of patriotism, but after reading this article, I am convinced. I just wish he wasn't so modest, and strutted around as if he knew he's the best, as Warne does all the time.

Posted by: MZ at July 8, 2010 10:52 AM

Lovely tribute. Certainly, his record is all the more impressive when you consider how clearly he surpassed Warne, an all time great himself. His 11/110 against India was a remarkable achievement against a team which left Warne and so many lesser lights averaging 50 against them.

His ability to bring Sri Lanka's ethnic groups together and his humility and courage in the face of overwhelming bigotry have been truly inspirational.

Posted by: Oswald at July 8, 2010 11:18 AM

He is a human being who was down to earth, even thous some people tried to take him to task. He is a legend and so are others, but he has to be remembered for what he has done for cricket and Sri Lanka, a nation torn by war and by doing his part as a Tamil himself. He also has to thank his Caption Arjuna and the cricked board for what he has achieved too. True we will miss him, but he will be in our hearts as long as we live and the nest generation as well. We wish him well in his future en-devours. All the best Murali. God bless you.

Posted by: Gervin Samarawickrama at July 8, 2010 11:47 AM

What a shame for Murali to go. He brought a charming smile to cricket which is not heard of in any form of cricket. He, of course, is great to watch and all of us wish him the very best in the future. We all miss him the greatest of all. He is just magic. We have no words to describe him, he is the greatest of our time.
Gervin.

Posted by: D.Pramod at July 8, 2010 11:49 AM

I am surprised Imran that "Murali's greatest hits" does not include that aggresive, belligerent knock of 33* in 16 balls against a Bangaladesh team that had "surely" wrapped up their first tri-nation triumph (http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/378756.html). Consider the situation Sri Lanka were in: 118-8 with 35 runs required in 33 balls. Four fours and a brace of sixes later, Bangladesh's dreams had been crushed with 11 balls to spare!

Even though he didn't hit the winning run, the roar of joy that Murali gave when the game was won was a sight to watch! I am sure even Murali would have placed this knock at par with his best bowling performances; in my book it ranks second only to Hussey's onslaught against Pakistan in the T20 Semi-final as one of the best limited overs' batting performances in recent years!

To me what was sad about the whole thing was that Sangakkara took the Man of the Match for a Tavaresque innings. Romantic justice would surely have awarded it to Murali!

Posted by: I G at July 8, 2010 1:39 PM

Well done Murali...a truly fantastic cricketer. However offlate he seems to get indimidated very soon if the batter attacks him. I would love to see him attack and flight the ball against India in his last test.

One last hurrah!!
Cheers

Posted by: priy at July 8, 2010 1:58 PM

Murali is the Best spinner ALL TIME!!! Just compare the statistics and matches....

Posted by: Koli at July 8, 2010 2:01 PM

Well summened article that includes some of the magic moments of a great magician. I could remember Cullinan evaluvating his hundred in galle 2000 as winning a lottery and KP reffering Murali to a silent assasin. That shows how tough it was to face murali at his peak. Irrespective of the number of wickets taken, one of the greatest aspect of cricketing career was to play as a true gentleman. i wouldn't think any abusive language been used to take a single wicket, rather a mere smile....

Posted by: Balang at July 8, 2010 2:34 PM

Can anybody tell me if the wickets Murali took when he was chucking (before the law was ammended to accept 15 degrees most bowlers chucked,not only murali) will be discounted from the records or at least marked in red or yellow to show at what point he became legit.............I might be called a racist but I am not an Ozie and just want to know how the records stand.

Posted by: George G. Raj at July 8, 2010 4:54 PM

A determined fighter who understood the spirit of the game. A smiling assasin despite the competetive nature of the game and a perfect gentleman who played the game well capturing not only the mood of the spectators but the cricketing world at large.
Well done Murali!

Posted by: Danushka Weerathunga at July 8, 2010 7:01 PM


All time greate Leg spin bowler is Warne.all time great off spin bowler is Murali.Murali is a legend of cricket.every time oppositions attention player. Your current retirement decision is right.all the best future....

Posted by: Honest at July 9, 2010 1:16 AM

How many wickets with the illegal action is the question, the law
was ammended to make him as well as many other chuckers legal, now look at the stats and tell us how many wickets he got when he was illegal...tks and if you cannot publish this you are a coward....

Posted by: nande at July 9, 2010 2:31 AM

Great article, very well written!!! Murali's true genius cannot be taken away from him either by scurrilous accusations or incomparable reference to others.While the article does justice to his cricketing achievements,understandably does not even try to venture into his well accepted humanity & humility which will always serve as a benchmark for the younger cricketer.

My thanks to the author once again & to Murali for giving us cricket lovers such joy & pride, over a long period of time.

Posted by: Rukshan at July 9, 2010 4:51 AM

Murali was,is and will be the best bowler ever in the history of cricket...
I also apperaciate Muralis Spirit as a cricketer who always puts 100% to a game...he not only concentraes on his bowling but also gives superb support in fielding and batting...some of the catches he has taken are marvellous.he is so enthusiastic on the field and it's interesting to see his face reactions when a catch is being taken by a fielder in the outfield... :)
Well Murali you're truly a Legend...a Maestro of Cricket...

Posted by: duleep at July 9, 2010 6:19 AM

best player to me in cricket history. but now we miss

Posted by: Pubudu Wijayawrdena at July 9, 2010 6:41 AM

Statistics proves Murali is not only the best spinner of all time but he is the best bowler of all time. No arguments that Warne is a great bowler but statistics proves that when excluding Bang & Zim figures still Murali has the better of it.
Come on Murali.....! You have done Sri Lanka proud

Posted by: Confused at July 9, 2010 6:58 AM

Was murali a chucker before the law was ammended ?? Not only Murali but many bowlers were chuckers according to the earlier rules on the degree permited. Can the records show these wickets in a seperate context.....

Posted by: Brutally honest at July 9, 2010 2:23 PM

@Honest

Every bowler was found to straighten their arm and thus all wickets from all bowlers are illegal by the earlier definition of the law. If you don't believe this, ask someone you know who can read to look it up for you.

If you can't accept this, then you are the most pathetic kind of coward. The type who lives in their own little imaginary world denying all contrary facts because reality just hurts their poor little feelings. Wait till you become a mature adult before you go accusing other people of cowardice for ignoring your irrelevant and uneducated opinion.

Posted by: Sahana at July 11, 2010 4:36 PM

Murali: Simply the best

Posted by: David at July 13, 2010 4:52 PM

He is the greatest spinner of all time!!!!!

Posted by: Asanga at July 14, 2010 5:15 PM

He is the Smiling Assassin from Kandy! Hats off to the greatest bowler to ever step onto a cricket field! He is a once in a life time player and it was an honor to watch him play! The best thing about Murali was that he was also a very humble human being!!!! Thank you for all the memorable moments that you provided us!

Posted by: Fazlur at July 16, 2010 8:05 AM

Cricket has achievements & milestones which will remain untll its been played, but always these records want be he same until there is a player to break it.In terms of test & oneday cricket when you take bowling its been Muttiah Muralidaran-the wizard spinner.
Murali as he is known in short has broken & holds test & oneday bowling records where on other player has done in cricket history.Great bowlers has achieved in their career, but not in both types of cricket.In future i guarantee that no any other bowler will be able to break Murali's record.This is not an easy task to achieve & Murali has done this by facing so many barriers of discrimination & hatred. This lovely cricketer will be remembered for ever until this game is played with its rules.Murali your record is superb & hope he will continue to assist the next spin wizard.Murali showd the world that records are there to break by capturing the most number of wickets in cricket history.This Sri lankan legend has made us proud.

Name: Email Address:
Comments: characters left
The Inbox will feature submissions from you with us playing gatekeeper as we do with the rest of the site. We will set no rules apart from ensuring a certain quality that you have come to associate with Cricinfo. You may write on the aspects of the game that you hold dear; about matters that rile you; about players, teams and trends; you may share your memories and views, and you may so do so in 100 words or 500. The only tip we will give you is to repeat a line from our style sheet: Brevity is not just the soul of wit, it is the heart of all writing.
Latest News
Specials
Sitemap  |  Feedback  |  RSS  |  About Us  |  Career  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Use
© ESPN EMEA Ltd