'Murali an outstanding servant to cricket' - Warne

@CricFan24. We're going to have to agree to disagree here. I, along with some former players, most certainly see Umar Akmal as class. I don't think he is just a "whacker." Keeping in mind he is ridiculously young and is far from the finished product His adaptability for the situation and his ability to PLAY MANY SHOTS TO THE SAME DELIVERY was actually on show vs NZ+Bond in his debut series. He is not over-reliant on power at all n is very silky + great feet. To me whackers are guys like: 1-Dhoni, who's crabby technique and poor balance prevents him from playing fluently, especially when trying to drive against quality bowling. 2-Ross Taylor, who edges the ball behind square too often is in that bracket, so too is a player like 3-Gayle who's feet often let him down. Sehwag, apart from not being the best sweeper is classy enough to score ridiculously quickly and ridiculously big...WITHOUT SLOGGING, that in itself is class, may not have been most consistent in the past but has evolved.

@_NEUTRAL_Fan_, Actually you got me there. Dale Steyn is certainly class. Sehwag and Umar Akmal- most definitely not. They are good whackers capable of producing the odd barbarous innings once in every 15 innings or so. Class- they are not. Dale Steyn is actually probably the only current player who will be around for the next 5 or more years with Class. And yes, Class certainly may not be a requirement for Greatness. But, that is precisely my point. You may have the Sehwags and Umars whacking the ball around some- but what would you rather watch: A lara late cut , a punched SRT on drive, A lara lofted on drive, a SRT flick from outside off to midwicket....or one of these murderous chappies thrashing at the ball?

Posted by   on (July 08 2010, 02:51 AM GMT)

we are going to miss the spin king of the world. wish u all the best murali :)

Thanks for the memories Murali!!!! Thanks for entertaining us!!!! You are awesome and unbelievable in turning tracks!!!! I heard you can spin the ball on glass too. All the best!!!!

We are going to miss you and your smile..Wish you very best for the future....Good Luck.....

@Cricfan24. If you don't think Dale Steyn ,Sehwag and Umar Akmal is "class" I fear for any cricketer trying to impress you lol. Also, I don't think class is the only criteria for greatness, hence my mention of guys like Vettori, whose servitude and importance to NZ is enormous and admirable. It is also too early to write of promising youngsters like Tamim, Shakib, Roach and Ameer...yea they may not live up to expectations but they are amongst the most talented U24's I've seen for a long long time and definitely worth watching after the current greats retire.

Murali, The entire world will miss your bowling. I dont see any one in the near decade can break your records. I wish you a very best of luck to complete the landmark of 800 wickets. Even though I am an Indian but I dont mine India loosing to SRI in 1st test and giving him 8 wkts to complete 800. Infact I wish you for 10 wkts in the match. I hope Indians will give a gr8 send-off to a gr8 cricketing wizard in his last test match. Best of luck with your future endeavors.

sheksyshot " HIS SMILE AND HIS BUFFALO LIKE FACE" hahaha - that's great, will never be able to look at him again without thinking of that now! Always enjoyed the way he approached his cricket, all the best for the future Murali

Murali is the greatest spinner I've ever seen or appreciated. The art of spin bowling has got a vacuum now. There's a big gap.

Posted by   on (July 07 2010, 16:46 PM GMT)

surely we gonna miss u Murali,,,,,Pls change ur decision,,,,,, for the good of SL cricket