Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan has signed to play with Victorian Bushrangers in Australia’s Big Bash Twenty20 competition, team officials said on Wednesday.
The record Test wicket-taker joins West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo at the Melbourne-based team, who are aiming for a fourth national title.
”Murali is without peer in terms of current spinners in world cricket and a true legend of the game,” said Cricket Victoria chief Tony Dodemaide.
”It is fitting that Murali comes to Victoria to continue the outstanding legacy of Shane Warne, the man whom he surpassed to take the mantle of greatest Test wicket-taker, and who reignited the art of spin bowling.”
Murali, with 777 Test wickets to his name, said he was relishing the prospect of playing at Australian sports temple the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
”What a thrill it will be to play in front of a home crowd at the mighty MCG, representing Victoria in a strong competition,” he said.
”It’s an exciting prospect and a great honour, and I look forward to playing my part in the Bushrangers’ team and hopefully entertaining Victorian and Australian fans.” — AFP
