Murali gets hero’s welcome

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan was given a hero’s welcome when he returned home as the highest wicket-taker in Test history yesterday. The off spinner, currently embroiled in a controversy over his bowling action, broke Courtney Walsh’s 519 wicket record during Sri Lanka’s successful tour of Zimbabwe and ended up extending his career tally to 527. Muralitharan’s arrival in Sri Lanka was broadcast live on national television and a host of politicians, sports administrators, family members and close friends flocked to pay tribute to the bowler.

“I’m very happy to have achieved this record for the country,” Muralitharan said. “It’s a huge honour and I am very grateful for all the support I have received. Everyone has done so much for me.” The 32-year-old was garlanded as he stepped into the VIP airport arrivals lounge and mobbed by the media, before being escorted by motorcade to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board headquarters in central Colombo. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has barred Muralitharan’s controversial “doosra” delivery after research showed he illegally straightened his arm. But Muralitharan said he would not be beaten by the controversy. (Reuters)