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"I will not give in" - Murali
By Marlon Fernandopulle
The World record holder for the highest number of wickets Sri Lanka's Muttaih Muralitharan accused the Western world of attempting to stall his progress on the field.

The champion off spinner who arrived in the island on Thursday evening to a hero's welcome did not mince his words when he spoke to a swarm of journalists who thronged the Airport and the Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters. "The Western World is making attempts to stop me. This will only make me more determined and stronger. I will not give into them nor will I stop".

It was obvious that Muralitharan was directing his comments towards the Australians where the journalists, umpires and now the Prime Minister John Howard have openly criticized his bowling action. In the light of all the adverse comments he has received from Down Under the Lankan spinner has already stated that he has to decide in the next few weeks if he is to make it to Australia in June for the two tests tour. "I will be speaking to Sri Lanka Cricket officials and a lot of others before I decide on the Australian tour".

Although Muralitharan is on contract, Sri Lanka Cricket President Mohan de Silva has already indicated that they will not stand in the way of their champion off spinner. "We will leave it to him to decide. We are aware of how he is feeling after all those unwanted comments from high profile persons. Now it's up to him to decide whether he wishes to tour Australia or not".

Muralitharan who has now been asked by SLC not to bowl his controversial "doosra" delivery believes that he can still make inroads with the variety he has to offer. "It's not a problem at all. I still have other deliveries that can take wickets".

Following the controversy over the "doosra" and the results of the bio-mechanical tests by Human movement specialist Prof. Bruce Elliott the ICC has decided to conduct extensive research on all slow bowlers during the Champions Trophy in England in September. Professor Eliott in his report on Murali's "doosra" has indicated that more spinners should be tested before setting the tolerance levels for slow bowlers and also suggested an increase in the tolerance levels. Thus it will be very likely that these tolerance levels will soon be subjected to a change in the near future.

The 32 year old Muralitharan who broke Courtney Walsh's record of 519 wickets in his 90th test has already indicated that he will be around at least until the next world cup in 2007. When asked by journalist as to how many wickets will he be aiming at Murali who has his figures at his finger tips replied saying. "At the current rate I think I should end up with anything between 700 and 750 wickets".

Muralitharan's who travelled in a motorcade from the Airport to the SLC headquarters on Thursday evening was greeted by thousands of cricket fans who lined up the 40 kilometre stretch of road to have a glimpse of their hero. It was only after four hours that Murali finally reached the SLC headquarters where he was given a rousing welcome by SLC officials and well wishers.

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