The genius of Murali

One of the highlights of Muttiah Muralitharan's career is the 16-wicket match haul at The Oval in 1998 to lead Sri Lanka to a resounding win over England. Steve James, who now writes for the Sunday Telegraph, opened for England in that match, battling for 85 overs to make 61 runs over two innings. He recounts his struggles against Murali.

It was a mental trial beyond comparison. There was no physical threat, just an unremitting battle against a bowler of supreme accuracy and stamina, with pace and degrees of turn being varied almost imperceptibly.

In he came from his angled run-up, beginning with hands clasped to his stomach and lips pursed, arms then flapping like wings with ball tossed from hand to hand. From over the wicket the delivery position on the crease was as wide as his eyes as he launched into the most controversial action of all time.

The worst thing about him? The omnipresent smile. Even slow bowlers are sometimes supposed to snarl and chirp, and send you on your way. Not Muralitharan. He never said a word. He just grinned, knowing full well that he'd ultimately get you.