Tag: Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan: The Wizard of Spin Who Rewrote Bowling History

Muttiah Muralitharan, born on 17 April 1972 in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of cricket. A right-arm off-spinner with a unique wristy action, Murali mesmerized batters for nearly two decades. His unparalleled career is highlighted by 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker in both formats combined.

Early Life and Background

Muralitharan was born into a Tamil Hindu family in Kandy. His family was involved in the biscuit-making business. Initially starting as a medium-pacer, he switched to off-spin at the age of 14 under coach Sunil Fernando’s guidance.

He attended St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, and soon became known for his prodigious turn and control, earning attention across school cricket circuits.

Domestic Career

Murali started his first-class career with the Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club. His domestic performances were consistently impressive, leading to his selection for the national side in the early 1990s.

International Career

Test Debut and Early Challenges

Muralitharan made his Test debut on 28 August 1992 against Australia in Colombo. He picked up 3 wickets in his debut match. However, his unorthodox bowling action would come under the scanner multiple times in his career.

In 1995, while playing against Australia in Melbourne, he was controversially called for “throwing” by umpire Darrell Hair. Despite multiple biomechanical tests proving the legality of his action within ICC limits, he faced similar scrutiny in later years.

Career Highlights and Peak Years

• 1998: Took 16 wickets in a Test match against England at The Oval.

• 2002–2006: Dominated world cricket with relentless consistency, picking up 5-wicket hauls almost at will.

• 2004: Surpassed Courtney Walsh to become the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket at that time.

• 2007: Regained the No. 1 spot after passing Shane Warne’s tally of 708 wickets.

• 2010: Retired from Test cricket with a record 800 wickets, taking his final wicket (Pragyan Ojha) in his last over in Galle.

One Day International (ODI) Career

Muralitharan was equally impactful in ODIs:

• ODI debut: 12 August 1993 vs India

• Total wickets: 534 in 350 matches

• He played in four Cricket World Cups, with Sri Lanka finishing as champions in 1996, runners-up in 2007 and 2011.

• His economy, especially during middle overs, was unmatched.

Twenty20 Career

Though Muralitharan’s T20I career was brief (12 matches, 13 wickets), he played in various franchise leagues:

• Chennai Super Kings (IPL)

• Kochi Tuskers Kerala (IPL)

• Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL)

• Gloucestershire and Lancashire (County Cricket)

Career Statistics (International)

Records and Milestones

• Most Test wickets (800) and ODI wickets (534) in international cricket.

• Only bowler to take 10 or more wickets in a match on 22 occasions.

• Only bowler to have 67 five-wicket hauls in Tests.

• Played in four World Cup finals, winning one in 1996.

• Named in ICC’s Test Team of the Year (2006, 2009).

• Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1999).

• Member of ICC Hall of Fame (inducted in 2017).

Retirement

• Retired from Tests in July 2010 after achieving 800 wickets.

• Retired from ODIs after the 2011 World Cup.

• Played franchise T20 cricket until 2014 before retiring completely.

Post-Retirement Career

• Appointed as bowling consultant for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL.

• Served as a mentor and spin coach for various teams.

• Actively involved in philanthropy through the Foundation of Goodness, a charity supporting rural Sri Lankan communities.

Personal Life

Muralitharan is married to Madhimalar Ramamurthy, a Chennai native from a Tamil family. The couple has a son. Despite controversies surrounding his action, Murali has remained respected across cricketing nations for his humility and sportsmanship.

Legacy

Muttiah Muralitharan’s career is not just defined by records, but also by his resilience, innovation, and unparalleled consistency. A master craftsman of spin, Murali redefined off-spin bowling and remains an icon not just in Sri Lanka but in world cricket.