Muralitharan to miss crunch game against England

Star off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will miss Sri Lanka's crucial VB Series clash against England on Friday after pulling a thigh muscle.

Muralitharan, who took four wickets for 27 during Sri Lanka's four-wicket defeat against Australia on Wednesday, pulled the muscle whilst fielding.

The off-spinner returned to the field to complete his final two overs, picking up the wicket of Shane Watson, but did so from a shortened run-up.

Muralitharan will miss Sri Lanka's two remaining group games in the triangular series but should be fit for the finals should Sri Lanka qualify, according to team manager Ajit Jayasekera.

"Murali has pulled a muscle and will be out of action for approximately a week to 10 days," said Jayasekera.

Jayasekera confirmed that Muralitharan had insisted on returning to the field and completing his spell despite being in discomfort.

Sri Lanka have 13 points and need to beat England, who have 14, if they are to qualify for the three-match finals.

Meanwhile, match referee Clive Lloyd fined the Sri Lanka team 15% of their match fee for a slow overate.