Test cricket's greatest wicket-taker first Sri Lankan to be awarded membership to exclusive club
Cricket’s greatest wicket-taker, Muthiah Muralidaran, was inducted into the International Cricket Council Cricket Hall of Fame Thursday, News.com Australia reported
Muralidaran is the first Sri Lankan recipient of the award and there is perhaps no player, not just Sri Lankan, who deserves the honour more than the prolific off-spinner from Kandy.
The 45-year-old claimed 800 Test wickets and 534 one-day international victims, more than any other bowler in either format, in an international career that spanned 19 years.
"It is a moment of great pride and honour to be receiving this award, especially from the ICC which is the ultimate any cricketer can aspire to achieve," Muralidaran said.
"The induction during this prestigious ICC Champions Trophy makes it even more remarkable.
"I thank the ICC for making this possible because this is a moment I will cherish throughout life."
Muralidaran is the 83rd inductee and is joined by Australians Arthur Morris and Karen Rolton and England’s George Lohmann as part of the latest intake.
ICC chief executive David Richardson presented Muralidaran with a commemorative framed cap in between innings during Sri Lanka’s Champions Trophy clash against India at The Oval.
The Oval holds special memories for Muralidaran – it’s the venue where the rubber-wristed tweaker claimed 16 wickets to spin Sri Lanka to a famous win in 1998.
"Murali’s record speaks for itself," Richardson said. "His control of line, pace and length coupled with his ability to spin the ball prodigiously are legendary.
"Once he developed the ‘doosra’ he became almost unplayable.
"A character popular with fellow players and fans alike, he not only helped raise the profile of Sri Lankan cricket but was a player people came out to watch the world over.
"I congratulate him on behalf of the ICC on being inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame."
Muralidaran holds a host of records, but perhaps one that will never be broken is his incredible tally of five- and ten-wicket hauls.
In 133 Tests he captured 67 five-wicket bags and on 22 occasions he snared 10 wickets in a match.
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