Murali to feed off taunts

Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan has issued a warning to Aussie crowds; taunting him will only make him stronger.

Murali, who recently became only the second bowler to reach the 700 wicket milestone, has had a strenuous relationship with the Aussie crowds after being infamously no-balled by Darrel Hair in Melbourne over a decade ago. He is also seen as a threat to Shane Warne’s legacy by some of the Australian crowds and will almost certainly eclipse Warne’s 708 wickets during the tour of Australia.

“He is comfortable with what Australia is like. He understands the harassment given by spectators will only make him more inspired and motivated,” said Kushil Gunasekera, Muralitharan’s manager according to the Herald Sun.

“It will help him bowl better. He is happy to be taking on that challenge because Australia is a real test. He will come to Australia.”

Sri Lanka play a two Test series against Australia, starting in November followed by an ODI tri-series including both Australia and India starting in February.