Murali hints at retirement, says India could be last foreign tour

Ace Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan today gave hints about announcing his retirement, saying that he would like to complete his possibly last assignment abroad by beating India in their den, which his team has never done before. ''I have played enough cricket over the years. This could be my last tour overseas. Sri Lanka has not won a Test series in India, so it would be great if my team won the series this time,'' Muralitharan told reporters here today.

The legendary off-spinner's comments indicate that sooner than later he would announce his retirement from international cricket.

The world's top wicket taker said the Sri Lankan team is gradually developing into a solid unit with the inclusion of talented new youngsters.

''There are good seamers and spinners like Ajantha Mendis who have improved in bowling since his debut,'' Muralitharan, who has 783 Test wickets to his name, said.

Speaking about the growing influence of technology in the game, Muralitharan said he was all for it and gave the thumbs up to the umpire referal system, saying it is good use of technology and harms neither the bowling nor the batting side.

Talking about the advent of the T20 format, Muralitharan said the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) has proved beneficial for the youngsters but they must not focus on just the slam bang version of the game.

''One cannot play only T20. A player has to play the one-dayers, Tests and domestic cricket. Otherwise he will be finished, and his cricket will go down,'' Muralitharan said.

He added that Twenty20 may have proved to be a stepping-stone for many youngsters to show their talent, but its scope is limited. The spin-wizard said playing for the nation surely motivates the players but financial well being is also a concern for them.

''If he (player) says that it only for the game that he plays and not for the financial benefits he gains from it then he is lying. Every player plays for the love of game, the nation, and also for the financial benefits that come along with it,'' he said.

-- (UNI) -- 15SPD33.xml

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