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SLC to ask ICC to permit the doosra
By Marlon Fernandopulle
The controversy surrounding Muttiah Muralitharan’s "doosra" delivery is set to be debated further as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) gears to strongly urge the International Cricket Conference (ICC) to permit their champion off spinner to bowl the delivery untill all the spin disciplines have been researched adequately.

The latest reaction of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) comes in the wake of extensive discussions held between Muttiah Muralitharan and his two lawyers with top officials of Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Sunday Times learns from reliable sources that Sri Lanka Cricket is of the view that their star spinner has been unjustly treated and victimized. As recommended by the ICC Human Movement Specialist Professor Bruce Elliott, Sri Lanka Cricket will request the ICC to permit their bowler to bowl the controversial "doosra" until all other spinners are tested and the tolerance levels set after proper research is carried out.

Sri Lanka Cricket and most cricket observers are of the view that the report and the recommendations made following the tests on Muralitharan by the ICC appointed human movement specialist Prof. Elliott are very positive and highly favourable towards the Lanka bowler.

Thus SLC will leave no stone unturned in their bid to pressurize the ICC to accept the recommendations made by the professor, at least for an interim period, until conclusive research is carried out on all spin disciplines.

Earlier SLC had advised Muralitharan to refrain from bowling the "doosra" soon after his six week period after being first reported lapsed. This decision which was also supported by the ICC was taken as SLC was of the view that, it was not the correct time to challenge the existing regulations. However with sufficient scientific evidence now in favour of Muralitharan and prudent recommendations from the ICC appointed human movement specialist, SLC is of the opinion that it has a strong case to present.

Muralitharan who arrived in Sri Lanka a few weeks ago after breaking the world record has received overwhelming support from home and abroad. It was only last week that Sri Lanka President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga felicitated the bowler for his phenomenal feat and said that she will give him whatever support he requires. "Whatever you need, Lawyers or otherwise let me know, I am prepared to give you any support. You are a national asset to Sri Lanka", the president told the champion bowler.

The 32 year old Muralitharan who is currently in England on a private tour has still not made up his mind on touring Australia later this month for a two test tour. This is following remarks made by the Australian public in the past and Prime minister John Howard's recent allegations of chucking by the Lankan off spinner. The Sunday Times learns that Muralitharan's final decision on the Australian tour will to a large extent depend on the ICC' response to SLC's latest request.

Murali consults lawyers to sue Bedi?
The World record holder for the highest number of test wickets Muttaih Muralitharan has consulted his lawyers inorder to sue former Indian Captain Bishan Singh Bedi over recent statements made on the off spinners bowling action.

Bedi who has made several comments on Muralitharan in the past has written in the latest edition of the Indian Magazine Sportstar that Muraitharan chucks every ball not just the 'doosra' and the 'teesra'.

Muralitharans manager Kushil Gunasekera confirmed that the articles have been forwarded to lawyers Dinal Phillips and Sugath Perera who are looking after the interest of the champion off spinner.When contacted by The Sunday Times Mr Dinal Phillips said,"We have received these articles and are contemplating legal action on this matter".-MF

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