Cricket: NZ seek Murali help on Sri Lanka tour

It was head coach Mike Hesson’s decision to seek Muralitharan’s help.

WELLINGTON: Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan will be asked to pass on his expertise to New Zealand’s bowlers and batsmen on their tour of Sri Lanka, according to the country’s head coach.

The New Zealand-based members of the team leave for the tour, which includes a Twenty20 match, five One-Day Internationals and two Tests, with new bowling coach Shane Bond making his first tour with the side.

The former New Zealand paceman was only appointed to the role last week and has had little to do with spin bowlers throughout his career, hence head coach Mike Hesson’s decision to seek Muralitharan’s help.

“Obviously Muralitharan lives in Sri Lanka in Colombo and he’s someone we’ve got contacts with and will be seeking advice from,” said Hesson.  The first match will be the Twenty20 international at Pallekele on October 30.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2012.