Murali calls his bowling action 'a gift from God'

Sri Lanka's world bowling record holder Muttiah Muralitharan on Thursday brushed aside criticism of his bowling action saying his unorthodox style was a gift from God.

Muralitharan's 18-year career was marred by controversy due to his bent-arm action the result of an elbow deformity since birth which helped him impart considerable turn and bounce even on the most placid wickets.

"I have no regrets at all of being called a controversial bowler," the 38-year-old told reporters in Colombo. "I have proved everything by use of technology. I don't regret anything. My talent is God's gift." The unusual action sparked uproar in the cricket world, especially in Australia where umpires no-balled him for throwing and former prime minister John Howard once called him a "chucker".

Muralitharan's action first came under the microscope when Australian umpire Darrel Hair called him for throwing during Sri Lanka's tour Down Under in 1995-96.

He was called again during a later tour of Australia in 1998-99 but was subsequently cleared after further tests.

But the International Cricket Council, which carried out bio-mechanical tests on the bowler, cleared him of a suspect action. Affectionately known as Murali, the off-spinner is the most successful bowler in history with record hauls in both Test (792) and one-day (515) cricket.

"Nowadays, we use technology for everything. Those who criticise must give bowlers a chance to be tested, not treat them as a criminal," he said. Muralitharan's final appearance, if picked, will be at the first of the three home series Test matches against India beginning next week.

He begins the Galle Test, the 133rd of his career, needing eight wickets to reach the 800-wicket target.

"The challenge left for me, is to get the eight wickets and go all out to win the match. That's a nice farewell. I also hope we win the series," he said.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Friday AFP