Muttiah Muralitharan: Will play the third Test © AFP Enlarge
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Muttiah Muralitharan will not play the second Test against Pakistan in Colombo starting on Sunday even though his minor knee injury has improved considerably.

Murali was ruled out of the series opener in Galle after he hurt his patella tendon while training on the eve of the game and was advised rest. Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath replaced Murali in Galle and went on to become the Man of the Match after taking 4 for 15 in Pakistan's second innings.

Team manager Brendon Kuruppu said the move was a precautionary measure. "He (Murali) won't be playing the Test, but that's more as a precaution than anything else. We are confident Murali will play the third Test," he said.

"It's a terrific win and a superb team performance," Murali said of Sri Lanka's improbable 50-run win in Galle. "Herath's performance was particularly very good. He is an experienced bowler and I'm very happy he has done well. I didn't give him any advice. He has been around for many years."