Muttiah Muralitharan an ornament to Sri Lanka Cricket

July 14, 2010, 12:00 pm
www.island.lk

The Indian word ‘Kohinoor’, means the most precious and valuable diamond (The transparent precious stone of pure carbon, in crystallized form) in the world. If the champion batting artist Sachin Tendulkar of India, is the ‘Kohinoor’ or the batting artist in the world, our champion bowler Muttiah Muralitharan, who retires from the Test arena after the Indo-Sri Lanka Test starting on July 18, 2010, at the Galle International Stadium, after almost 20 years, is undoubtedly, the ‘Kohinoor’ in the bowling department of this noble game. As the highest wicket taker in Test cricket, capturing 792 wickets, Muralitharan has brought honour and glory to this resplendent island.

As a cricket lover, commentator, free-lance print and media personality, author and cricket administrator, I have closely followed his distinguished cricket career. A few years back, when he eclipsed Shane Warne’s bowling record, I delivered the keynote address at St. Anthony’s College Katugastota. Then, again, I was privileged to speak about Murali, at the Legislative Council or Parliament, outside the chamber, on the invitation of the Speaker, that erudite scholar, W. J. M. Lokubandara.

I thought if I do not pen a few lines about Murali, when he leaves the Test arena, I will not be fair by Muttiah Muralitharan, whom I associated and loved for nearly two decades as a fine gentlemanly, unassuming cricketer.

I am not going to write about his cricket statistics. He is the highest wicket taker in Test cricket history as at mid July, before he plays his final Test match for Sri Lanka, in the Indo-Sri Lanka Test series beginning next week. He, our Murali, wrote his name – MUTTIAH MURALIDHARAN in gold in the annals of world cricket history, as well as the Sri Lankan cricket Mahavamsa, or chronicle of Ceylon history, as the bowler who captured the highest number of wickets – 792 as at July 17, 2010.

There are many reminiscences to write about Murali. I can write a book on this great athlete of Sri Lanka. But time does not permit me do that. On 28th August 1992, at the age of 20, Murali made his Test debut against Australia, at the Khettarama Stadium, in Sri Lanka. Craig McDermott was his first victim. In this Test, Muralitharan captured 3 for 141. From there onwards, Murali grew from strength to strength. The youthful Muralitharan played a major role in Sri Lanka’s back to back Test victories against England and New Zealand in 1992 and 1993.

In August 1993, at the Moratuwa Stadium, he captured 5 for 104 against South Africa. This was his first five wicket haul. As the radio commentator, I still remember some his victims – Kepler Wessels, the late Hansie Cronje and Jonty Rhodes.

I must mention here that it was in March 1995 that Murali tormented the Kiwis and displayed his match winning qualities.

Prior to the ‘Boxing Day’ Test of 1995, Sri Lanka–

Australia, at the picturesque Melbourne Cricket Ground, probably a ‘Coup de’tat’ was hatched to ruin the career of this up and coming cricketer. Australian Umpire Darrel Hair, called Sri Lanka’s ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan a ‘chucker’ in front of a record crowd of more than 55,000 spectators. I still remember, he was ‘no-balled’ seven times in three overs.

This event hit the cricketing hedlines. After biomechanical tests, Murali’s action was cleared by the International Cricket Council in 1996 and again in 1999.

Born in the hill capital, Muttiah Muralitharan played for St. Anthony’s College from the age of 10 till he left school. He was coached by Sunil Fernando, one of the best coaches in the island. Later, he represented Tamil Union A. C. and excelled as a fine off spinner.

Murali always kept the team in a cheerful spirit. What I felt was that he was a tower of inspiration for the entire team. He is a gutsy fighter in the playing field and he always a stood or fair-play and justice. He has a ‘Golden Heart’. The soft-spoken Murali is an adorable character.

Added to his cricket, he is a social service worker, a humanitarian, who helps the needy and deserving ones. He is a firm believer of one Sri Lanka. He is the only Sri Lankan cricketer from the Tamil community. His manager, Kushil Gunasekera, a great benefactor, a leader who promotes the game of cricket among the rural youth in the south, especially in Seenigama, is a guiding light to this greet cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan. Kushil, who played for Ananda College and Tamil Union with distinction, was one time the secretary of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. The Muralitharan-Gunasekera combination lit up the lives of Seenigama folks, who were affected by the tsunami.

Muralitharan has so far played in 132 Tests, bowled 43,669 balls, captured 792 wickets, conceding 17,989 runs. His best bowling performance was against England, when he returned the fantastic figures of 9 for 51.

Further, his One Day record is also impressive. He has played 331 ODIs and captured 515 wickets giving away 11,885 runs. His best figures are 7 for 30.

The 1996 Willis World Cup was a landmark in Muralitharan’s cricket career.

Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and his ‘Invincible Tea’ defeated Australia by 7 wickets and annexed the World Cup for the first time. I gave a ball by ball description on 17th March 1996, from the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan.

Sri Lanka’s victory was due to team effort. Murali played an important role in achieving this victory. "His never say die attitude" inspired the entire team, for them to achieve this great feat.

Muralitharan has played under seven Test captains, namely Duleep Mendis, Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda De Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Hashan Tillekeratne, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.

Duleep Mendis (1983-1987) his first Test captain, who later became his cricket manager states; "I have not seen a player so full of life. He is always active. Indeed he is a great team man."

The parliamentarian from Matara, ‘Master Blaster’ Sanath Jayasuriya (1999-2003)stated; "I really enjoyed his fine company. He always put country before self. His focus on the game is fantastic. He inspired all of us. I do not think we can replace a great player of his sort. Sri Lanka is indebted to him. Thank you Murali, for all what you did to put Sri Lanka on top."

"He is an experienced cricketer, who can guide us all. His cricketing brain is amazing. I expect him to come back as a coach or selector. He is a walking encyclopaedia in the science of cricket and a shrewd tactician," stated present skipper Kumar Sangakkara.

Mahela Jayawardene said; "Murali is a cricket institution. He plays hard and is a fine gentlemen."

Some cricket experts say that Muttiah Muralitharan carried Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. I would not hesitate to say that he was our bowling attack.

Murali, you are a great son of Sri Lanka. I feel sad that I will not see your ‘Magic’ in Test. Although you plan to say good bye to Tests, we will see your heroics in ODIs. You gave us great joy and happiness. Thank you.

I wish you and your family Good Luck!