Aussie fans may torment Murali during tri series

COMMENT by Elmo Rodrigopulle

Muttiah Muralitharan will always remain good copy for cricket scribes whether on the field or off it. That is because he has an action that is peculiar and questionable, and because there could never be a bowler of his style. Not probably in this century.

It will not be long before he goes past Shane Warne's Test wicket taking record. If the Sri Lankan's bowl only once, as they did in the Hobart Test like they did in the Brisbane Test, then he would not be able to realise his, and every Lankans dream of pouching the record in Australia, where his career nearly came to an end.

Before and when he arrived in Australia, there were fears that the Aussie spectators would relentlessly torment him with shouts of "No ball". "Chucker" and other barbs to unsettle his concentration and rhythm. But nothing of that sort materialized.

The crowds were lacking in Brisbane. There were a few shouts from the sprinkling of spectators who called "No ball" and "chucker", but to everyone else on the ground the shouts were inaudible. And the yells were so weak, and it was apparent that they were half starved shouts.

But Muralitheran's problems would start again in kangarooland, if he decides to come for the tri-series which will also feature India and Australia in February next year. For the one-day game, crowds fill the grounds and the tormenting of Muralitharan would be deafening.

With the drunken louts here loving to hate Muralitharan, your guess is good as mine his coming for the tri-series. On Sunday former Australian leg spinning allrounder Terry Jenner who was Shane Warne's coach took Muralitharan as a bite and wanted the bowler tested during a Test match, by the International Cricket Council. There is no doubt that the ICC would turn its back on Jenner's request.

Clone Murali says O'Keeffe

Kerry O'Keeffe another former Australian leg spinning allrounder has asked cricket officials to clone Muralitharan in bid to help Australia find a match winning finger spinner.

O'Keeffe opines that it is time to follow the Sri Lankan lead and allow youngsters to use a bent arm. O'keeffe also asks for officials to look for kids with rubber wrists like Muralitharan's.

The former allrounder says that Australia should sign Muralitheran as a spin coach. Australia's finger spinners have all bowled with a conventional action but there is now a feeling local youngsters should be taught to push the boundaries like Muralitharan.

Get a cricket team to break drought

When there is a drought in Sri Lanka, the cry goes out to bring down a cricket team. It is no different in Brisbane.

Brisbane too has been suffering a severe drought, with water cuts and residents asked not to wash their vehicles or water the plants and to use water sparingly.

With the arrival of the Sri Lankan cricketers, the heavens have opened out, and aren't the Brisbane people laughing. But still they feel that what is falling is not sufficient and are asking for more.

But the rain has caused frustration to the cricketers and cricket fans.

Ken Mackay cricket field

Travelling by train from the hotel where I stay, very noticeable is the Ken Mackay cricket field where a lot of cricket is played.

To cricket fans of the sixties, Mackay will be best and always remembered for the match saving last wicket stand with Lindsay Kline which saved a Test for Australia against West Indies in the memorable 1960/61 series in Australia.

Mackay was a steady medium pacer and stonewall of a batsman.