'There will always be 10% who are jealous'
Muttiah Muralitharan recently went to England to shoot for a documentary in which he bowls wearing a brace on his arm that is designed to keep it straight, and in which he goes through the full repertoire of his craft, spinning the ball viciously,
Charlie Austin
31-Jul-2004
Muttiah Muralitharan recently went to England to shoot for a documentary in which he bowls wearing a brace on his arm that is designed to keep it straight, and in which he goes through the full repertoire of his craft, spinning the ball viciously, while demonstratably not contravening the ICC's rules on chucking. In an exclusive story that appears in the August 2004 issue of Wisden Asia Cricket, Charlie Austin examines the controversy, and speaks to Murali. Here are some excerpts from the interview:
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Do you think the documentary will prove a point?
I think it will prove a point to those who had said that it was physically impossible to bowl a ball that turned the other way. I proved that it was possible to bowl the doosra without bending the arm. But it was only for public opinion. I was not trying to prove anything to the ICC. I have done all the tests for them and there is nothing more for me to prove there.
I think it will prove a point to those who had said that it was physically impossible to bowl a ball that turned the other way. I proved that it was possible to bowl the doosra without bending the arm. But it was only for public opinion. I was not trying to prove anything to the ICC. I have done all the tests for them and there is nothing more for me to prove there.
Have you been frustrated by not being able to bowl the doosra?
Yes, it is frustrating because I know when I go out there that if I could bowl it I would take more wickets and win more games for Sri Lanka. It is like a fast bowler being told he can't bowl a bouncer. But I bowled without the doosra for the first six or so years of my career and I can still take wickets without it. Your thinking has to change, though, to adjust to the loss of one of your deliveries.
Yes, it is frustrating because I know when I go out there that if I could bowl it I would take more wickets and win more games for Sri Lanka. It is like a fast bowler being told he can't bowl a bouncer. But I bowled without the doosra for the first six or so years of my career and I can still take wickets without it. Your thinking has to change, though, to adjust to the loss of one of your deliveries.
But you are willing to be patient now?
The ICC has to check everything and it will take another two or three months and then they will correct everything. They have to see how much other bowlers are flexing. I think that everything happens for the good, and it is better to take it positively. There is no point in rushing things and getting over-excited.
The ICC has to check everything and it will take another two or three months and then they will correct everything. They have to see how much other bowlers are flexing. I think that everything happens for the good, and it is better to take it positively. There is no point in rushing things and getting over-excited.
What did you think when you heard that you had been reported again?
He [Broad] had the right to think I was suspect. That is his job. I just thought at the time: "Okay, let's go and check it and see. I haven't had it checked before." Now I am more determined although I have to be patient and wait for a few months before it can all be sorted out. And I am definitely confident now that it will be sorted out.
He [Broad] had the right to think I was suspect. That is his job. I just thought at the time: "Okay, let's go and check it and see. I haven't had it checked before." Now I am more determined although I have to be patient and wait for a few months before it can all be sorted out. And I am definitely confident now that it will be sorted out.
Perhaps this time your action and reputation can be cleared for good?
I thought the same thing in 1999. Who knows, in another three years maybe something else will come up. It has not happened once or twice, it has happened three times. So I expect someone to come again and question me.
I thought the same thing in 1999. Who knows, in another three years maybe something else will come up. It has not happened once or twice, it has happened three times. So I expect someone to come again and question me.
Does it worry you that the debate may continue after your career has finished?
It might, but I think most people will be convinced that my action is fair and legal. I will be happy with 90%. There will perhaps always be 10% who are jealous. You can't help them.
It might, but I think most people will be convinced that my action is fair and legal. I will be happy with 90%. There will perhaps always be 10% who are jealous. You can't help them.
Have you though about an extension to your career past the 2007 World Cup?
Yeah, if I am fit, definitely. People have tried to stop me, so I want to continue. I am still really enjoying my cricket.
Yeah, if I am fit, definitely. People have tried to stop me, so I want to continue. I am still really enjoying my cricket.