Lancashire sound out Murali
The Championship season could be set for a grandstand finale between the world's two best spinners after Lancashire hinted that they are sounding out Muttiah Muralitharan for a short end-of-season stint.
Cricinfo staff
12-Aug-2006
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Cricinfo sources have confirmed that Muralitharan was approached about a return but also said that it was unlikely to happen. After the current triangular series also involving South Africa and India, he is keen to rest ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The final round of Championship matches pits Lancashire, currently top, with Hampshire, currently third, in a potential title decider. If Muralitharan returns to Lancashire, he could face Shane Warne in a Rose Bowl head-to-head.
Muralitharan has taken 152 wickets during his previous stints at Old Trafford, but any return is dependent on Cricket Australia's ruling over Brad Hodge, Lancashire main overseas signing for this season. Hodge picked up a neck injury during the Top End series last month, but is still set to take part in Australia's pre-summer training camp in Queensland.
If the Australian board rule Hodge fit, but decided to rest him, Lancashire might be allowed a replacement depending on how the ECB read the situation, which would open the door for Muralitharan. However, if Hodge is still sidelined due to an official injury, ECB rules wouldn't allow a direct replacement.
Jim Cumbes, the Lancashire chief executive, told the Manchester Evening News: "We are waiting to hear from Brad and Cricket Australia. If he is still injured, we can't replace him, but if they decide he is fit but needs rest, we may look to bring someone in.
"Murali is certainly in the frame, but it depends on which area of the side coach Mike Watkinson feels we need to address. I wouldn't be surprised if Mike has asked him if he is available."