Muralitharan flying home
Muttiah Muralitharan is to fly home following a family bereavement
Cricinfo staff
04-May-2006
Sri Lanka's preparations for next week's first Test at Lord's have taken a further blow with the news that Muttiah Muralitharan is to fly home to Kandy following the death of his aunt.
Murali, who has taken 611 wickets in 103 Tests, is absolutely central to Sri Lanka's fortunes on this tour, but fortunately for his team-mates, he is expected to return to England on Sunday, in time to complete his preparations for the start of the Test series on May 11.
"He is flying out tonight but will return on Sunday," confirmed the Sri Lanka team manager, Michael Tissera, who added that Murali had been very close to his aunt and wanted to attend the funeral.
He was not selected for Sri Lanka's final warm-up match against England A at Worcester, after claiming four wickets against Derbyshire last week.