The smiling assassin: Murali's name engraved forever

The day of 22 July 10’ will be etched in every cricketing mind. Sri Lanka brilliantly trapped the Indian team in follow-on and in the second innings. India was 338 for 9 wickets but that wasn’t the focus anyhow. The spotlight was at Muttiah Muralitharan, the legendary off-spinner, who was left with just one wicket to complete his 800 wickets, more importantly in his last match. And he did it, India’s last batsman was dismissed by the ‘smiling assassin’ Muralitharan where the team celebrated Indian team’s collapse as well as Murali’s 800 wickets. The legend was carried on shoulders, what a farewell!!!

Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the greatest bowlers of all time, made his debut against Australia in 1992. With his best of 9 for 51, Murali has caught 800 victims in just 133 test matches maintaining the average of 22.72. Next to him are Shane Warne (708 wickets) and Anil Kumble (619 wickets).

Murali’s cut-throat ‘doosra’ and magical spin troubled any batsman who dared to face him. Former Pakistani wicket-keeper Moen Khan calls him a ‘dangerous’ bowler that he never liked to face. The living legend, the deadly swinger and former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram said that it’s difficult to surpass Murali’s record. 'Despite being a fierce competitor, he is a great human being and a happy person. His greatest contribution to Sri Lankan cricket has been the fact that he brought crowds to the ground because of his persona. I have never seen a bowler like him before and don't think I will ever see another in the future as well,' he said.

Before that, Muralitharan announced retirement from Test cricket when he was short of 8 wickets to reach the milestone. The humble and smiling Murali proved himself a furious hunter to achieve the target. He will be remembered.

The spin-machine will remain as a great inspiration for the forthcoming spinners, his retirement is a big loss not only for the Lankans but for everyone who believed in watching quality cricket and thrilling spin. Jibran