|
|
|
|
|
Full Name: Muttiah Muralitharan
One thing is for sure, Muralitharan's statistical accomplishments are exemplary and, despite his constant spotlighting for "throwing", he remains one of the most feared bowlers in the world. Playing most of his cricket on the subcontinent, Murali's success has also extended to most parts of world. The first man to take 1000 International wickets - currently 614 in Tests and 414 in ODIs, Muralitharan has maintained a stunning average of nearly six scalps per Test match, whilst keeping his average in the low 20s. Persistence and variety mark his game, but it is his right arm which is more prominent in the eyes of the masses. Talk of Muralitharan's bowling action first arose to the public ear on Sri Lanka's 1995-96 tour of Australia, as he was reported on two occasions to the International Cricket Council by umpire Darrel Hair. Pending a successful biomechanics analysis arranged by the ICC at the University of Western Australia, Murali was restored to international cricket with the statement of a legal action. Yet Muralitharan's tortured cricketing relationship with the continent of Australia continued on Sri Lanka's return there for the 1998-99 series. Once again he was reported for "chucking" and once more he was cleared of the charges. In 2004 he added a new delivery to his arsenal which would again stir the pot of controversy. The "doosra" got Muralitharan reported to the ICC once more, on this occasion by match referee Chris Broad after Australia's tour of Sri Lanka. The third investigation uncovered the realization that most bowlers over the years have infringed upon the ICC specifications for a legal action. Indeed, it painted a picture of Murali being the scapegoat for a common crime. Yet 2004 was not a completely dismal year for the loose-limbed spinner. Against Zimbabwe he became the world record holder for Test match wickets, surpassing Courtney Walsh's mark of 519. Since, he has experienced a period of injury, but remains locked in an ongoing battle with his only contemporary equal, Shane Warne who has surpassed him while he was nursing a shoulder injury through most of late 2004 and early 2005, for the record. Muttiah Muralitharan is perhaps one of the most inspirational names in cricket - after all, a heated conversation is inspired without fail at the mere mention of him. Whether or not he ever gets the support of the masses is irrelevant, for Muralitharan continues to be recognized by the ICC as a legal bowler and as such is undoubtedly among the best the game has seen.
|
