Sports

Sports

'The World Record is for my parents'-Murali

By Marlon Fernandopulle
Sri Lanka's champion off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who created a new world record when he claimed his 520th wicket yesterday would like to dedicate his phenominal feat to his parents.

In an exclusive telephone conversation yesterday from Harare with The Sunday Times the 32-year-old Muralitharan said, "I wish to dedicate this record to both my parents. They have been right behind me from the start and supported me all the way. Without their help I would not have come this far".

The off spinner also had a special word of praise for former captain Arjuna Ranatunga. "Arjuna has been my captain for something like 10 years and he has played a big part in my success along with all the other captains, coaches and players".

Muralitharan who made his debut 12 years ago in 1992 admitted that he himself never thought that he will come this far, "I never thought I would reach a world record. All I wanted was to play for my country. But as the years passed by I was getting wickets regularly and here I am with the world record for the highest number of test wickets".

Muralitharan who has already played 89 tests and taken 521 wickets has already indicated that he would like to continue up to the 2007 World Cup.

Murali's mother unable to express her joy

An elated Laxmi Muralitharan, mother of Muttiah Muralitharan who watched her son on television overhaul Courtney Walsh's record from her home in Kundasale, Kandy, said she is overjoyed and unable to express her joy at this historic moment.

"I simply cannot believe that my son has broken the world record. I am delighted and I can't say how happy I am as a mother today", said Mrs Muralitharan in a telephone conversation with The Sunday Times, soon after Muttiah Muraitharan picked his record breaking 520th wicket.

Speaking further the delighted mother said, "I never thought that my son will play cricket for Sri Lanka. But once he started playing I was of the view that he will do well, but never thought he will come this far". When asked when he last spoke to her son the proud mother replied promptly saying , "It was only yesterday he called us and said watch me as I go for the World Record".

Mrs Laxmi Muralitharan like millions of Sri Lankan cricket fans waited patiently on Saturday afternoon in front of her television to watch history being made. It was not untill the last ball of the 8th over that Muralitharan picked up the much-needed wicket that brought him fame and glory.

Father says Murali will top 1000 wickets

By Shane Seneviratne

Awe-struck Muttiah Muralitharan's Father S. Muttiah had a few words to speak. He said "I am overjoyed with my son's feat. If he continues for a few more years I am sure that he will go on to pick up one thousand wickets in test cricket. At the same time I am very disappointed about what has been going on about his bowling action. E ven the professor who tested him has said that he should not be prevented from carrying on. Even former Australian captain Steve Waugh has said the same about him."

Top