Sachin, Cronje and Kallis threat to Murali's fluency (12 May 1999)
In those early preliminary years, where the Sri Lankan Spinner Muttiah Muralitharan had his baptism and broke into the maze of international cricket - He was at that time in the eyes of the cricketers abroad, quite an unknown quantity, having yet to
12-May-1999
12 May 1999
Sachin, Cronje and Kallis threat to Murali's fluency
Richard Dwight
In those early preliminary years, where the Sri Lankan Spinner
Muttiah Muralitharan had his baptism and broke into the maze of
international cricket - He was at that time in the eyes of the
cricketers abroad, quite an unknown quantity, having yet to prove and
establish himself as a leading front line bowler.
Unsophisticated as he was, the steely wiry framed Murali had no
reputation to guard or live upto. For free from any form of
inhibitions, he felt it opportune to capitalise in the position he
found himself in. Revelling, in their ignorance of his ability and
perhaps the cynical underestimation of a developing third world
country to produce an extraordinary bowler of class - Murali,
contrary to their thinking went on to catch the opposing batsmen off
guard, by surprise to secure wickets and scale unprecedented heights
to become the central figure in the world of cricket, in a
comparatively short period of time.
Acknowledged as a tantalising spinner and freakishly wide turner of
the ball. He has had phenomenal success both in the longer as well as
the shorter versions of the game, that has made him a disturbing
force to be reckoned with. Importance, fame and recognition, rather
than being helpful has had an adverse effect. In that it has alerted
opposing batsmen, drawing their attention towards him, to be so
preoccupied in finding ways and means of dealing with his wily spin
and unusual turn.
The outcome of which saw strategic evidence, when the impetuous,
Afridi dared to take the 'Bull by the Horns' head on, by rushing down
the wicket and successfully belting the ball one bounce into the
stands and more frequently over it. The idea from the word go was not
to allow Murali to dictate terms, hold the whiphand by being planted
to the crease and court disaster. Sacrificially, in a sink or swim
attitude, cavalier Afridi in a one dayer, where every over counts for
much, demonstrated how to get on with it. The lesson was not lost,
for latching on to it, were Hansie Cronje, Sachin Tendulkar and
Jaceques Kalis, who almost gave the same treatment to Murali. It has
become infectious recently to find Graeme Hick and Wasim Akram employ
the same strategy to counter Murali.
The comforting thought however for Murali is, that all batsmen aren't
adventurous as the afore mentioned, for it is risky, when fronting up
against a reputed Spinner. Murali will have to come up with something
new to keep these devastatingly enterprising batsmen in check. He is
not at a loss for guidance, for he has the astute skipper Arjuna and
vice captain Aravinda to use him judiciously and at times
surreptitiously to shield him. His confrontation against Hick in the
opening match on Friday and, the spoken of new strategy that will be
resorted to by the Sri Lankan team, does generate much interest all
round to make it exciting.
The frenzied World Cup Fever gains momentum as we move into the
curtain raiser, where Sri Lanka plays England. The print as well as
the electronic media have gone to town with world cup news and
advertisements. Hotels, clubs and even homes are making elaborate
arrangements to host patronisers, members, relatives and friends, not
forgetting the spill over in the pavements and streets in front of
TV's at shop windows and restaurants.
All this does add to the excitement and thrills which goes to make
life interesting, and our wish is that the game will reign supreme
and be played in the best of spirit and the deserving side wins the
1999 World Cup.
Source :: The Daily News (https://www.lanka.net/lakehouse/)