Sri Lanka Cricket Quotes

"Our careers ran parallel. The hard times and the good times we went through together… Going on to win the World Cup in 1996 was the pinnacle. I also remember the Oval Test with great fondness, when we beat England in England for the first time, We both played a crucial part in our team’s success. Murali got 16 wickets in that Test, and I got a double hundred. That victory is a very special moment along with winning the World Cup."

"Murali owes a lot to Arjuna for the way he defended him, and he’s been grateful to Arjuna ever since. When he was called for throwing in 1998 in Australia, I was the vice-captain of the side. Some of the measures Arjuna took to defend him will be hard to match."

"I have a good record as a Sri Lankan captain, and the main reason for that, I think, is that I was fortunate that Murali was at his peak during the four years I captained the side. Murali is a great character, There’s never a dull moment when he’s around. He’ll keep all of us going, cracking jokes and giving insights on basically anything. He’s also very positive, hardly gets into a negative mentality and basically it’s fun when he’s around. He’s a very genuine guy as well, and the work he did after the tsunami has been very much appreciated by everyone."

"He's been my hero and role model. I grew up watching him, I thank Murali [Muralitharan] for making me what I am today."

"For many years Murali did not carry our bowling attack....He WAS our bowling attack"

"You will ask why we are not giving Murali a turning track. But Murali doesn't need a turning track. On any wicket, any flat wicket, Murali will take wickets. We were more concerned about number of days of cricket. We want all five days to say cheerio to Murali."

"I am returning (to Sri Lanka) only by the end of this month and will miss watching Murali play the last Test. However, I have already sent him a good-luck message for his last Test. He is a great player, who has done lot for the country and not only we, as team mates, but the entire nation will miss him"

"I always thought I'd reach the 800 mark, I can still reach it as I have one last Test. It would be magical ending."

"Eight hundred wickets is just a number because I already have the world record. I have taken it as a challenge to give me the motivation to take the eight wickets I need to reach that mark and also win the Test for my country. I hope we can achieve it. I have confidence that we have a good Test team and I hope we can win my farewell Test and hopefully the series."

"I will be happy to see the younger players shape up and win the World Cup for Sri Lanka. But if the authorities think I should also be a part of the team, then I will play"