Cricket: Muttiah `very proud'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN was not surprised by his achievement after twice wrecking England's batting to set up the 10-wicket victory for Sri Lanka at The Oval.
The feats of the Surrey finger-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq on his home ground this season had already convinced Muralitharan that there would be plenty of wickets for him, too. "I thought beforehand when Saqlain was taking a lot of wickets here it would help me as well. I am very proud. Before I came here my ambition was to take five wickets in an innings in a Test match - so I thought I did quite well here," he said.
The off-spinner's captain Arjuna Ranatunga and his opposite number, Alec Stewart, hailed Muralitharan's outstanding performance .
"He is very difficult to play. You can never get on top of him. A lot of spinners you can use your feet or work around - but he is something special," said Stewart - the only England player not to lose his wicket to Muralitharan in the Test.
Muralitharan, however, was merely confirming his captain's expectations. "Murali is the main man. I have always rated him very, very highly and still think he is the best off-spinner in the world. We know he can spin it anywhere in the world, but he was really impressive in the way he was turning it," Ranatunga said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments