BBL next month, one of Murali's last appearances on cricket field

Spin legend Muralitharan excited about BBL
By Staff Writers | November 14, 2012

Muttiah Muralitharan has said that he hopes to end his professional cricket shortly. © AFP

Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket and ODIs, will feature in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) T20 tournament along with his spin rival Shane Warne.

But Murali, as he is fondly known, says that the Warne vs Murali rivalry will likely take a backseat, as both bowlers will be faced with marauding batsmen who will be determined to take them apart.

"It's not a competition — I think he's a great bowler and I like to see him bowl. We don't have a competition between us, but the thing is we will compete with the batsmen," Murali was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as saying.

"That's the main thing ... we're in the side to take wickets."

After retiring from Test cricket in 2010 with 800 Test wickets, the champion spinner continued to play limited overs cricket until the ICC World Cup in 2011.

Murali has featured in T20 leagues in India and England since his retirement, but hopes to put an end to his cricket career shortly to focus on his humanitarian efforts, which could make his stint for the Melbourne Renegades at next month's BBL one of his last appearances on the cricket field.

"I was happy to play at least. Before I finish, one Big Bash tournament," he said.

"A lot of great players are in the tournament. Hopefully, it's going to be successful as well like the IPL."

The BBL, which gets underway on December 7, will also see Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga taking part. Malinga will play for the Melbourne Stars, with Warne as his captain.

The tournament opener between the Stars and the Renegades will see both Malinga and Murali playing against each other, and is sure to reignite the Murali-Warne rivalry of old.

© Island Cricket

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