Cricket: Murali on track for tests

Controversial Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is poised to play a full part in the test series against New Zealand after all.

The man considered the world's most dangerous bowler is apparently on track to be back in time for both tests in New Zealand - the first in Hamilton from January 15, and the second in Wellington from January 22.

Muralitharan had surgery on his shoulder in August and was initially expected to miss the opening test in Hamilton, with a view to playing in the second match, fitness permitting.

But Sri Lankan skipper Marvan Atapattu said yesterday that it was now hoped Murali would be cleared to play in the entire series, after first demonstrating his readiness in a practice match in Colombo.

"Hopefully, he'll be ready for the first test - that's why we've brought just 14 players," Atapattu said at Auckland Airport. "We've created a vacancy that he will fill if he's fit and available.

"The plan is that he'll play in a practice match in Sri Lanka and declare his fitness soon afterwards."

Atapattu said there would be an obvious gap if his team's star bowler was unavailable.

"He's one bowler that will never be easily replaced.

"It's true that we've won games without him, that we've pulled together without him, and that we're ready to perform again without him.

"But we're still delighted that his recovery is progressing smoothly, and we're looking forward to him joining the tour."

Muralitharan last played a test in August against South Africa at Galle, and has since watched from the sidelines as his world record tally of 532 wickets was overhauled by Australia's Shane Warne, who had moved to 552 at the end of the series against New Zealand.

If Muralitharan does make it here for the tests, the eyes of the cricketing world will follow his every movement, not only because of his rivalry with Warne, but also because of the International Cricket Council's new recommendation on chucking.

Recently banned from bowling his mystery ball or "doosra", Murali would be able to return with his full repertoire under the new rule, which will allow for a 15 per cent flex in the delivery arm.

The bulk of Sri Lanka's squad arrived in New Zealand yesterday for the one-day series, although veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya is not expected until Monday.

Having crushed New Zealand 4-1 in the previous series three years ago, the tourists could have been expected to be in a confident frame of mind, particularly after their success in the Paktel Trophy triangular series in October.

But Atapattu said the squad were not getting carried away with previous success, nor were they allowing themselves to become preoccupied with the often bowler-friendly New Zealand pitch conditions.

"We did well here last time, but that's gone and we have to make sure we concentrate from the start again," he said. "Then hopefully, if we do that we might have a similar outcome.

"As for the conditions, they're something that we've just got to put out of our minds so that we can concentrate on the game itself.

"Any good team should be able to play in all conditions and on any pitch. So we take this as a challenge."

Atapattu was sure that a match-up between the No 2 and 3 teams in the world would make for an enthralling contest, and said he had no doubt that New Zealand would prove extremely difficult opponents.

"They [New Zealand] have always been a competitive side with their allrounders. They've gelled as a team and they have really good players who make a difference.

"They're always very determined and in their home conditions we're expecting them to be very tough opposition."

MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN

* Age: 32

* Test wickets: 532

* ODI wickets: 366

* Number of occasions called for throwing: 3

* Number of times cleared: 3

* Most recent citing: March, 2004

* Point of difference: His wrong 'un, or 'doosra'.