Legglancer
State Regular
Murali, John Howard and Sri Lanka Cricket
By Arjuna Ranatunga
The Oracle has spoken at last, not from Delphi but from Sydney. It comes in the form of a verdict of Prime Minister John Howard of Australia that Murali does throw. His verdict had to come sooner or later. Why it did not come sooner is a mystery, probably may be for lack of a proper opportunity. Politicians, the world over, are an obdurate species who feel that they should have the final say on any issue and are obtuse enough to think that their world is sacrosanct. John Howard is no exception. Otherwise it is very difficult to explain why he should express contrary to a decision given by the panel of experts of the ICC that Murali's action is legitimate.
Even the scientifically analysed disclosure that Murali, due to a defect at birth, cannot straighten his elbow is ignored by him. Australian cricketers of the calibre of Allan Border the Chappel brothers; Steven Waugh and Shane Warne, his only rival, have seen no problems in Murali's action
and praised his bowling efforts. Apparently, to conclude from John Howard's statement these cricketers do not know what they speak about. One is left to wonder why the ICC did not in the first instance solicit John Howard's opinion. After all Australia leads the rest of the world in both versions of the game of cricket and John Howard leads Australia. What better opinion can the ICC get.
The only point to wonder is why Murali is singled out for this treatment. One in ten of the bowlers around the world have doubtful deliveries and this includes the Australians. Why their bowling action is not subject to the same scrutiny is a mystery. May be because Murali represents a small developing country in the third world which can easily be bettered and bruised.
The supine attitude of the 'Sri Lankan Cricket' administration also defies explanation. These supermen apparently 'see nothing' 'hear nothing' and 'speak nothing'. Perhaps it is safer and more lucrative to adopt this posture which will not deprive them of the expensive junkets abroad at the expense of Sri Lankan cricket. They very well know that it is only by bending before their 'Masters' that they can pick up the crumbs. One cannot otherwise explain why they cannot pick up the issue of all other bowlers whose deliveries are suspect. Murali has been singled out for censure even when cleared by the ICC experts committee. All other bowlers with suspect actions a carry on regardless. No one has the backbone to question their bowling actions. Not even 'Sri Lanka Cricket'. The Sri Lankan Cricket officials act as if only to prove and confirm that they are fossils whose only concern is self interest.
Finally, a concluding comment about the mighty Howard. It is said that 'fools rush in where angels fear to tread'. It is time that John Howard takes heed of this well known adage and not speak with his foot in his mouth. It can only bring his respected position as Prime Minister of his country into disrepute. This much he owes to his great country. As for Murali, he should ignore these senile remarks and concentrate on his cricket. He should tour Australia with his head held high, conscious of the fact that he is the greatest bowler of the century; and honour bestowed on him by
the renowned 'Wisden', the best available authority on cricket.
By Arjuna Ranatunga
The Oracle has spoken at last, not from Delphi but from Sydney. It comes in the form of a verdict of Prime Minister John Howard of Australia that Murali does throw. His verdict had to come sooner or later. Why it did not come sooner is a mystery, probably may be for lack of a proper opportunity. Politicians, the world over, are an obdurate species who feel that they should have the final say on any issue and are obtuse enough to think that their world is sacrosanct. John Howard is no exception. Otherwise it is very difficult to explain why he should express contrary to a decision given by the panel of experts of the ICC that Murali's action is legitimate.
Even the scientifically analysed disclosure that Murali, due to a defect at birth, cannot straighten his elbow is ignored by him. Australian cricketers of the calibre of Allan Border the Chappel brothers; Steven Waugh and Shane Warne, his only rival, have seen no problems in Murali's action
and praised his bowling efforts. Apparently, to conclude from John Howard's statement these cricketers do not know what they speak about. One is left to wonder why the ICC did not in the first instance solicit John Howard's opinion. After all Australia leads the rest of the world in both versions of the game of cricket and John Howard leads Australia. What better opinion can the ICC get.
The only point to wonder is why Murali is singled out for this treatment. One in ten of the bowlers around the world have doubtful deliveries and this includes the Australians. Why their bowling action is not subject to the same scrutiny is a mystery. May be because Murali represents a small developing country in the third world which can easily be bettered and bruised.
The supine attitude of the 'Sri Lankan Cricket' administration also defies explanation. These supermen apparently 'see nothing' 'hear nothing' and 'speak nothing'. Perhaps it is safer and more lucrative to adopt this posture which will not deprive them of the expensive junkets abroad at the expense of Sri Lankan cricket. They very well know that it is only by bending before their 'Masters' that they can pick up the crumbs. One cannot otherwise explain why they cannot pick up the issue of all other bowlers whose deliveries are suspect. Murali has been singled out for censure even when cleared by the ICC experts committee. All other bowlers with suspect actions a carry on regardless. No one has the backbone to question their bowling actions. Not even 'Sri Lanka Cricket'. The Sri Lankan Cricket officials act as if only to prove and confirm that they are fossils whose only concern is self interest.
Finally, a concluding comment about the mighty Howard. It is said that 'fools rush in where angels fear to tread'. It is time that John Howard takes heed of this well known adage and not speak with his foot in his mouth. It can only bring his respected position as Prime Minister of his country into disrepute. This much he owes to his great country. As for Murali, he should ignore these senile remarks and concentrate on his cricket. He should tour Australia with his head held high, conscious of the fact that he is the greatest bowler of the century; and honour bestowed on him by
the renowned 'Wisden', the best available authority on cricket.
. I can not praise Caddick for his decision to pull out of India tour. Dont tell me that Caddick visits this forum and I have incited him as well.