Lancashire: Spinner Muttiah set for Lancs (26 Aug 1998)

26 August 1998

Spinner Muttiah set for Lancs

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Lancashire are set to step up their search for an overseas player to replace Wasim Akram next season - with Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan topping the list.

The Cricket Committee met at old Trafford yesterday to discuss the options, one of which is to do without an overseas player.

But Lancashire are still likely to check out who is available in World Cup year.

Muralitharan, better known as "Mutty," is certain to be named in Sri Lanka's squad, so he would only be available for half the season.

But that wouldn't worry Lancashire coach Dav Whatmore. "I shudder to think what he could do in English cricket," said Whatmore who coached Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996. "Just look at his Test record, 181 wickets in 41 matches. If Sri Lanka were given more games he would get to the 300 mark easily."

Other leg-spinners who could be available are India's Anil Kumble and Aussie Stuart MacGill, who may not make the World Cup.

A number of this year's South Africa touring team could also come into contention.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)