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by Richard Dwight

There was much spontaneous jubilation and euphoria amongst the many in the land as the affable Murali, the versatile spinner of the ball, with his unparalleled feats as a phenomenal bowler, continued to bring glory and honour to his team and, give as well, a much needed boost to Sri Lanka when he arrived at a significant milestone in his cricketing career, by getting past the coveted '400 wicket taking' mark at the Galle Test match against Zimbabwe. Not many bowlers have achieved theis and what's even more remarkable, is that Murali comparatively, has done this in lesser number of matches and at a much younger age, which speaks volumes for his ability as a bowler.

Through his sustained prowess as a bowler and for yet other genial reasons, Murali has weaved his way into the hearts and minds of many, that has made them refer to him with deep affection as the 'Spider', the 'Wizard', the 'Master', the 'Magical conjurer' and a wide turner of the ball. To those of us who have followed his cricket from his days at St. Anthony's Collage Katugastota, he has presently progressed to take wickets at will with monotonous regularity, not forgetting his record breaking five and ten wicket hauls. Yes indeed, the pace at which he keeps taking wickets, far out paces our quest to adequately describe his efforts. And so we have reasoned it all to nutshell his sensational bowling performances in the sobriquet - an absolute freak.

The success achieved by him thus far, is just a part of Murali's story. For if we are to consider his contribution to his team and country, in a greater light and wider perspective. Then we, unhealthy though it be, must needs reluctantly hark back to his dismal past-where a parochially orchestrated group, led by Australian umpire Darel Hair, Sensing Murali to be a potential threat as a spinner, sought ways and means to halt him in his tracks, on the premise that his bowling action was at fault. We wish to think and want to believe, that they were unable to reconcile themselves to the fact, that a small third world developing country, lacking the facilities and quality of life they enjoy, could produce such an extraordinary bowler. Great gifts, as this gem of a bowler, have more often than not, have had the their origins in places that are lowly.

Yet another illustrious son of this country was our renowned orator G.G. Ponnambalam Snr. A foreign diplomat kept referring to Ceylon as an underdeveloped nation - at this point of time Ponna, dark, nattily dressed in gray suit, silk shirt and maroon tie walked briskly to the podium and addressed the UN. We learn he commenced his speech by the dramatic announcement "I come from the land of the Buddha" that captured immediate audience attention. From then on GG held his audience captive by flawless fluency, impeccable enunciation and such nuances of voice as bespeak the elegance of polished eloquence, even the vibrant address of the previous speaker Lord Caradon leader of U.K delegation paled somewhat. The foreign diplomat stood up as he grasped the hand of a Ceylonese and warmly said. "If that is the stuff of underdeveloped countries, I wish to God I came from one." Whilst an American pressman exulted at this Asian leaders' flawless fluency 'Man drawled a Negro journalist, "If I heard him without seeing him, I sure would have thought it was a westerner speaking". And so too, with our athletes Duncan White, Susanthika Jayasinghe and now Spinner Murali, have done much to enhance the image of this third world developing country.

Of Murali it could be said that never before in the history of this country, have we witnessed a cricketer being subject to such humiliation and embarrassment, having to undergo close scrutiny and sophisticated examination. It redounds to the credit of the unassuming Murali, who with steadiness of mein and evenness of mind, took things in his stride, putting up a determined, gallant fight in the face of overwhelming odds, until he was finally cleared. What a pity if it proved otherwise, cricket would have been that much poorer without the enriching influence of Murali. After all is said and done, apart from the wickets taken, some of us feel that his lasting contribution to the game would be his exemplary 'never give up attitude' and his name which will remain synonymous with - 'Triumph Over Adversity" will serve to encourage and inspire other youngsters facing a crisis of this nature.

Needless to say that no sooner Murali was vindicated, there was an upsurge of patriotic feeling, and it this that has made him ever so popular, as evidenced when he comes on to bowl or goes out to bat and, each time he takes a wicket, pent up emotions are released by many with delirious delight.

True we have been carried away in singing the praises of Murali, which has been so done on the surmise, that his very united and understanding teammates will not begrudge him this. This is a small way of showing our appreciation, for all the thrill and excitement he has given us on the field of play.

But Murali is not through yet, for he has many overs to bowl and wickets to take, ere he ceases to bowl-well done Murali, keep trundling along.

And still they gazed, and still the wonder grew, that this right arm of Murali, could mean so much to him, his team and country.

Triumph over adversity 

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