Murali aware of challenges ahead

Chris Dhambarage

CRICKET: Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan yesterday warned that abuse from the Australian crowds will provide more inspiration for him to dominate the world champions during their two Test series in November.

Sri Lanka will take on Australia at Brisbane and Hobart in the two Test matches and will again tour Australia for the Tri Series limited overs tournament which also features India.

Muralitharan's Manager Kushil Gunasekera said that the 35 year old off spinner understands the harassment given by spectators and that will only make him more inspired and motivated and it will help him bowl better. Gunasekera added that Muralitharan is well aware of the challenges ahead of him and he is comfortable with what Australia is like.

Muralitharan's statement comes a day after it was revealed he had launched a US dollars 8 million legal action against former Indian left arm spinner Bishan Bedi for defamation.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sources revealed that they would provide all assistance and the encouragement for Muralitharan to continue his career without any hindrance.

However a top official of SLC said that he is not surprised at Bedi's remarks because everytime Muralitharan is set to tour down under there has been a scathing attacks on the off spinner.

The sources further said that the whole idea may be to distract Muralitharan and to prevent him from overtaking Warne's record in his backyard and to prompt those who are against the off spinner to call for further tests on his bowling action.