Muralitharan best spinner of his generation: Saqlain Mushtaq

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, hailed Muttiah Muralitharan as the "best spinner of his generation."

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, hailed the retiring Muttiah Muralitharan as the "best spinner of his generation."

"I have no doubt in my mind he was the best spinner of his generation. A champion bowler no matter what some people say. I am sure many batsmen would have heaved a sigh of relief knowing he is going to retire now," he was quoted by website cricinfo.com as saying.

Saqlain was generous in heaping praise on Murali, who is credited with having perfected the mystery ball, now a regular fixture in an off-spinner's repertoire.

"You can learn a lot from just watching him bowl and his videos are a must see for young spinners. To be honest I don't think in the next 100 years, cricket is going to see a spinner of his calibre," Saqlain said.

"The best thing about him is that he had no pretensions or air about him and I am sure even after retirement he will be around to help and guide youngsters aspiring to be successful slow bowlers."

Saqlain also said there was no room for debate on Murali's bowling action since the ICC had cleared it. "In all fairness I don't think his action is suspicious. When the ICC cleared his action why should anyone have even raised questions about his action?"