Muralitharan flying home

CRICKET: Sri Lanka's preparations for next week's first Test at Lord's have taken a further blow with the news that Muttiah Muralitharan is to fly home to Kandy following a family bereavement.

Murali, who has taken 611 wickets in 103 Tests, is absolutely central to Sri Lanka's fortunes on this tour, but fortunately for his team-mates, he is expected to return to England on Sunday, in time to complete his preparations for the start of the Test series on May 11.

He was not selected for Sri Lanka's final warm-up match against England A at Worcester, after claiming four wickets against Derbyshire last week.

Cricinfo