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MURALITHARAN OVERCOMES INJURY TO BECOME A STAR

 

Muttiah Muralitharan

The accolades to the famous cricketing name Muttiah Muralitharan are numerous and of the highest order. Voted the greatest Test Match bowler ever by Wisden cricketer, he took a total of 800 first class wickets, holding the record in both ODIs and Tests. Although beset by controversy over his congenitally bent arm during delivery over the course of his career, he was cleared by all ICC investigations and was a fearful spin bowler to face throughout his career. Muttiah Muralitharan is available for bookings for private and corporate events or for brand opportunities through London based entertainment agency MN2S.

In February 2009 Muralitharan had become the highest ever wicket taker in both ODIs and Test matches and commented that he would retire at the end of the 2011 World Cup, stating, “I think I am fit in my body and mind, I am enjoying my cricket and want to play more. But after the next World Cup, I will have nothing left to achieve in the game. The World Cup should mark the end of my career”. In 2010 he took his 800th wicket with his final ball in his final test, having already overtaken Wasim Akram ODI wicket taking record of 501, and Shane Warne’s previous wicket taking record in test matches in 2007.

An affectation of his right arm, inherited from his grandfather, means that he cannot fully straighten it – a source of much controversy over the course of his career and the cause of ICC investigations in 1996 and 1999 to ratify his unique bowling action. Upon the introduction of his most lethal delivery, the doosra, he was tested again in 2004 and did not meet the ICC restrictions of a straight arm in the bowling action. However, it was the existing rules that were found wanting, given that 99% of bowlers technically violated the regulations set out by the ICC, so the requirements were amended and once again Muralitharan’s action was passed as legal.

Speaking with a smile about the many detractors as far as his bowling action is concerned; Muralitharan has commented that he has always accepted the existence of naysayers, and that it is unrealistic to hope for full unequivocal support at such a high rate of success. Both his shoulder and wrist are double jointed, a natural characteristic that he admits has been a major part of his bowling success over the years. Murali now supports the ICC’s calling into question of many suspicious bowling actions on show nowadays, stating that uniqueness is essential but has to be within the rules.

Such is the international reputation of Muralitharan, that former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag commented recently that he Murali was the only bowler to ever truly unnerve him. A legendary batsman in his own right, with 17,253 runs in all formats and the only Indian batsman to ever score a triple century, Sehwag commented on announcing his retirement that throughout his whole career, Muralitharan was the only bowler he was truly scared to face.

Upon starting the last test match of his international career, Muralitharan was still 8 wickets short of the 800 milestone, but secured the ultimate total of 800 with his final ever ball. He has commented that the Sri Lankan World Cup victory in 1996 was the greatest moment of his career, but regrets never having won test matches in South Africa, Australia and India.

Muttiah Muralitharan is unquestionably one of the great legends in the world of cricket, statistically the most successful bowler the world has ever seen. The story of his career would be a fascinating one: outlining the skill and dedication required to meet his levels of success and also the struggle past the doubters and ICC investigations to ratify his individual bowling style. If you are interested in booking Muttiah Muralitharan, please contact an agent at MN2S Talent Agency.

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