Muralitharan releases statement

Muttiah Muralitharan, who has been named in a 16-man squad for Sri Lanka's tour of Australia, released a personal statement today outlining his belief that his doosra, which has been barred by the ICC, is a fair delivery and will eventually be declared legal.

Muralitharan admitted that the weeks since his doosra was reported as being suspect have been traumatic, and added that he will wait patiently for the results of further research into the biomechanics of spin bowling, which is due to be completed by the ICC in September.

"I am a patient person and as a spin bowler you learn that trait very quickly," said Murali. "I am adamant in my belief that I operate within the laws of the game, and that my action when delivering the doosra does not give me an unfair advantage. I am confident that the tests and research by the relevant authorities will conclusively prove that my action when delivering the doosra is legal."

Tests carried out at the University of Western Australia revealed that Muralitharan's arm when bowling the doosra straightened by 14 degrees. This flexing was reduced to 10.2 degrees after remedial action, but that was still twice the permitted level of bending for slow bowlers, which stands at five degrees. The ICC's tolerance levels are to be reviewed after further research during the Champions Trophy.

"My action is unorthodox," he said, "It is, however, wrong for people to label me as a chucker based solely on what they see with the naked eyes, for what such people perceive as a throw is an optical illusion, a fact proven by the tests carried out on my bowling action over the years."

Muralitharan also hit out at his critics in the release, saying: "I have been defamed, pilloried and severely criticised by the world's cricket media. Even the Prime Minister of Australia has called me a chucker and then in the next sentence says I will be welcome to tour his country!"

He also took time to thank those who have stood by him during the controversy: "Through this all, the supportive comments of cricketers, cricket experts and the cricket loving public from all over the world has been greatly appreciated."