Muralitharan, the smiling assasin bids adieu

GALLE: For a star like Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, a spectacular exit from the world of Test cricket was inevitable. Muralitharan is marked as one of the legendary cricketers of all time and proof of that is him becoming the first man to reach the 800 Test-wicket landmark.

Controversies

Muralitharan’s controversial bent-arm action - the result of an elbow deformity since birth - helped him extract considerable turn and bounce on almost all pitches to wreak havoc with the ball and was questioned time and time again.

But the spinner claims he holds no grudges against those, especially Australian umpires Darrel Hair and Ross Emerson, who questioned his bowling action. Former Prime Minister John Howard once called him a “chucker”, although he later apologised.

“Life is about forgiving and forgetting,” said Muralitharan. “They had a job to do and did what they thought was right. But I am grateful to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for giving me a chance to prove my innocence.”

His bowling action was investigated and cleared on more than one occasion by the ICC. However, in 2005 the body amended its rules to allow bowlers to straighten their arms by up to 15 degrees.

No one like Murali

The 133-Test veteran claimed five wickets in an innings an astonishing 67 times, almost double the hauls of second-placed Australian Shane Warne, who achieved this on 37 occasions. Among bowlers still playing Test cricket, India’s Harbhajan Singh leads the pack with 355 wickets and New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has 325 wickets. Murali’s all time competitor, Warne even claims that no one will be capable of reaching his all-time, magic 800 record.

“There’s been a lot of controversy about his action but at the end of the day the ICC cleared him, he’s allowed to play, and what he did with the ball was amazing,” said Warne. “I don’t think anyone will get there, so well done to Murali.”

Muralitharan took 10 wickets or more in a Test 22 times. Warne, who follows the Sri Lankan in the all-time list with 708 wickets, managed that 10 times. But his greatness is not reflected in numbers. His humility made him one of the most likeable players on the field. And as the 38-year-old retires leaving everyone in awe, Muralitharan still remains humble.

“Getting to 800 was not as important as winning the match,” said Muralitharan. “By God’s grace, both things happened which made it the greatest day of my life.”

“But I assure you, you won’t miss me much, because there are some very talented spinners in our country.”

Australia’s Michael Clarke

What a talent. What a career. I’m sure lots of batsmen will be happy that they don’t have to face him in Tests anymore. He’s been an amazing ambassador for Sri Lankan cricket.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis

He’s sheer talent. A very smart cricketer, who has been superb and unplayable no matter what surface he’s bowled on. Congratulations to him on a wonderful Test career.

Former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq

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.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2010.