Murali magic (11 June 1999)

11 June 1999

Murali magic

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

After two matches, Muttiah Muralitharan has already forged his own place in Lancashire history.

The little Sri Lankan spinner added seven wickets yesterday to the 7-44 he took in Warwickshire's first innings, giving him match figures of 14-110 - the best by a Lancashire bowler since Brian Statham claimed 15-108 against Leicestershire at Grace Road in 1964.

It was also the best-ever bowling performance in 39 first class matches at Trafalgar Road, beating Wasim Akram's 13-147 against Somerset in 1994. Not a bad home debut - especially as it is also the first match when he has bowled for Lancashire, after last week's washout at Bristol.

For the second day running Murali entranced the Southport spectators and bamboozled the Warwickshire batsmen.

All of his wickets were either lbw, caught by the ring of close fielders, or bowled - with Trevor Penney and Tony Frost losing their middle and leg stumps to beautifully flighted balls which turned sharply through the gate. And he celebrated in style - at a balti house just off Lord Street with coach Dav Whatmore.

Yet despite Murali's heroics, Lancashire resumed today with an uphill struggle to claim the victory they desperately need.

Warwickshire, with 190-9 in their second innings, already had a lead of 263 - 119 more than Lancashire could manage in a terrible first innings batting performance yesterday. Peter Martin collected the final wicket to fall as Warwicks were bowled out for 211 leaving Lancashire a daunting 285 for victory.

Other than skipper John Crawley, whose classy 55 was his best of the season, and Andy Flintoff, who smashed a whirlwind 34 including 20 in an over off Tim Munton with one huge six which sailed over the railway running down one side of the ground, no-one managed double figures.

Former Sussex seamer Ed Giddins took 5-50 and England spinner Ashley Giles 3-25, then Nick Knight added 62 to his first innings 84 as Warwickshire reached 140-1.

Then Murali started to work his magic, in partnership with Peter Martin who claimed the crucial wicket of Knight and bowled a long, accurate supporting spell from the tennis court end.

It was a treat to watch, with the promise of plenty more to come before Murali has to join Sri Lanka's international squad some time in August or September.

Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph