Muttiah Muralitharan is widely hailed as the greatest spin bowler in cricket history. With a staggering 800 Test and 534 ODI wickets, he holds the world record for most wickets in both formats. Known for his magical off-spin, Murali baffled top batters for nearly two decades. Despite controversies around his bowling action, he was repeatedly cleared by the ICC and biomechanics experts.
His average of 22.73 in Tests and 23.08 in ODIs reflects his world-class consistency. He retired in 2010 with a wicket off his final Test delivery, etching a fairytale ending to a legendary career. Murali also shone in the IPL and T20 leagues, showing his versatility. Even after facing challenges in Australia and India, his numbers remained unmatched globally. Like Sachin Tendulkar with the bat, Muralitharan’s name is synonymous with spin bowling excellence.
Muttiah Muralitharan is a cricket legend admired by Sri Lanka fans across the globe. Born in Sri Lanka, he redefined spin bowling with his unique style and dedication. He took 800 Test wickets and over 530 ODI wickets, setting unbreakable records. His journey from Kandy to cricket stardom shows his talent and grit.
Early Years in Kandy
Muttiah Muralitharan was born on April 17, 1972, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. He grew up in a Tamil Hindu family with three younger brothers. His father, Sinnasamy Muttiah, owned a thriving biscuit business. His grandfather moved from India to work on tea plantations.
At nine, Muralitharan joined St. Anthony’s College in Kandy. He started playing cricket there as a medium-pace bowler. His coach, Sunil Fernando, suggested he try off-spin at 14.
Muralitharan shone at school, playing in the First XI for four years. He batted in the middle order and took many wickets. In 1990-91, he won ‘Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year.’
After school, he played for Tamil Union Cricket Club. He joined Sri Lanka A’s tour to England in 1991. He struggled there, taking no wickets in five games.
Back home, he impressed against Australia in a practice match. This earned him a Test debut in 1992. His early talent laid the foundation for greatness, like Virat Kohli.
Unique Bowling Action
Muralitharan’s bowling action was unlike any other in cricket. He was the first wrist-spinning off-spinner ever. His short run-up and open-chested style confused batsmen.
His arm had a natural bend from birth, causing debate. He mixed off-breaks with topspinners and the tricky doosra. His flexible wrist made the ball spin sharply.
He could bowl long spells without losing control. This stamina helped him take wickets consistently. Batsmen struggled to read his deliveries on any pitch.
His action faced accusations from umpires. Biomechanical tests later proved it was legal. His style became a key to Sri Lanka’s spin success.
Muralitharan’s technique came from hard work and natural gifts. It helped him dominate Test and ODI cricket. His action remains iconic in the sport.
Muttiah Muralitharan Career Summary
| Format | Matches | Innings (Bat/Bowl) | Runs | HS | Bat Avg | SR (Bat) | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Econ | SR (Bowl) | BBI | 5W | 10W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 133 | 164 / 230 | 1261 | 67 | 11.68 | 70.29 | 800 | 22.73 | 2.48 | 55.05 | 9/51 | 67 | 22 |
| ODI | 350 | 162 / 341 | 674 | 33 | 6.81 | 77.57 | 534 | 23.08 | 3.93 | 35.23 | 7/30 | 10 | 0 |
| T20I | 12 | 2 / 12 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 20.00 | 13 | 22.85 | 6.32 | 21.69 | 3/29 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 66 | 9 / 66 | 20 | 6 | 3.33 | 66.67 | 63 | 26.92 | 6.68 | 24.19 | 3/11 | 0 | 0 |
Career Milestones
| Format | Debut Match | Last Match |
|---|---|---|
| Test | vs Australia (Aug 28, 1992) | vs India (Jul 18, 2010) |
| ODI | vs India (Aug 12, 1993) | vs India (Apr 2, 2011) |
| T20I | vs New Zealand (Dec 22, 2006) | vs Australia (Oct 31, 2010) |
| IPL | vs Punjab Kings (Apr 19, 2008) | vs KKR (May 22, 2014) |
Test Cricket Beginnings
Muralitharan debuted in Test cricket against Australia in 1992. He was just 20 and took 3 wickets for 141 runs. His first victim was Craig McDermott, a big name.
In 1993, he took 5 wickets against South Africa. This was his first five-wicket haul in Tests. He dismissed stars like Hansie Cronje and Jonty Rhodes.
The 1995 Boxing Day Test brought trouble. Umpire Darrell Hair called him for throwing seven times. This sparked a major controversy in his career.
Despite this, he kept improving and taking wickets. In 1997, he reached 100 Test wickets against New Zealand. He was the first Sri Lankan to do so, and also did well against Zimbabwe, the West Indies, England and Bangladesh.
His early Tests showed his potential to dominate. Sri Lanka’s spin strength grew with him. He set the stage for record-breaking years.
Mastering One Day Internationals
Muralitharan’s ODI career started in 1993 against India. He took 1 wicket for 38 runs in 10 overs. His first ODI scalp was Pravin Amre.
In 2000, he took 7 for 30 against India in Sharjah. This was a record-breaking performance in ODIs then. It showed his skill in shorter formats, like New Zealand.
He played in five World Cups from 1996 to 2011. In 1996, he helped Sri Lanka win the title. He also reached three World Cup finals with players like Sangakkara and Attapattu.
In 2009, he passed Wasim Akram’s 502 ODI wickets. He ended with 534 wickets in 350 matches. His ODI success boosted Sri Lanka’s spin reputation.
Muralitharan won 13 Man of the Match awards. His control and variety troubled batsmen. He made Sri Lanka a spin powerhouse in ODIs.
Facing Bowling Action Disputes
Muralitharan’s career had many controversies about his action. In 1995, Darrell Hair called him for throwing in Australia. This happened seven times in three overs.
In 1996, umpire Ross Emerson no-balled him again. This was during an ODI against West Indies. Biomechanical tests cleared him both times.
In 1999, Emerson called him in an ODI in Australia. The Sri Lankan team protested but played on. Tests again proved his action was legal.
In 2004, his doosra faced scrutiny from referee Chris Broad. Initial tests showed too much elbow bend. New ICC rules later allowed it.
Muralitharan stayed strong through these challenges. His cleared action kept him bowling. Sri Lanka’s spin dominance grew despite the disputes, like Indian team strategies.
Breaking Cricket Records
Muralitharan holds the most Test wickets with 800. He also took 534 ODI wickets, a record. His total international wickets reach 1,347.
In Tests, he has 67 five-wicket hauls, the most ever. He took 10 wickets in a match 22 times. He’s the only one to do this against all Test nations, and a wonderful domestic record.
His Test bowling average is an impressive 22.72. In ODIs, it’s 23.08, showing his consistency. He struck every 55 balls in Tests.
Conclusion
He won Wisden Leading Cricketer in 2000 and 2006. In 2017, he joined the ICC Hall of Fame. His records highlight Sri Lanka’s spin legacy.
Muralitharan’s feats are hard to beat. He inspired young spinners in Sri Lanka. His numbers prove his greatness in cricket.
Muralitharan was known for bowling, not batting. He often batted at No. 11 in Tests. His aggressive style sometimes surprised bowlers. His best Test score was 67 against India in 2001. He hit three sixes and five fours then. It showed he could attack.
