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Muttiah Muralitharan made a spectacular farewell to Lancashire at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

The little Sri Lankan genius marked his last appearance in an incredible debut season by bamboozling Yorkshire pair Richard Harden and Anthony McGrath with massive off-spinners.

And afterwards he reflected on his 10 week period with the county which has brought him no fewer than 78 wickets.

``I must admit it has surprised me to get so many,'' he said.

``I have never done anything like that before, but I have bowled well here.

``It is impossible to say if I can keep taking so many wickets. All I know is I have enjoyed playing county cricket and the experience has helped me a lot. I think I have improved from playing four day cricket.''

Murali has already agreed to return to Old Trafford for the next two summers after becoming such a popular figure with team mates and supporters alike - and next year, he should be available from the start of the season in April.

``I am looking forward to coming back,'' he added.

``Lancashire is a good place to play cricket. I think I have settled in well, the rest of the lads have looked after me and I think I have built up a good relationship with the spectators.'' But for now, it is thanks for the memories, as Murali headed home for Sri Lanka's series against Australia yesterday - and Lancashire were left to battle for First Division status in next year's Championship without him, starting at Old Trafford against Yorkshire today.

Murali's figures:

Championship

v Gloucestershire (Bristol) did not bowl

v Warwickshire (Southport) 34.5-16-44-7 and 34-13-73-7

v Surrey (The Oval) 41.5-15-87-6 and 31.5-10-67-4

v Essex (Old Trafford) 30-8-73-7 and 34.2-11-61-6

v Glamorgan (Blackpool) 48-0-104-6 and 40.3-14-72-4

v Hampshire (Southampton) 12-4-21-1 and 48.2-11-114-7

v Derbyshire (Derby) 15-6-22-4 and 15.4-4-39-7

CGU League

v Warwickshire (Edgbaston) 9-4-13-1

v Essex (Old Trafford) 9-1-44-1

v Warwickshire (Old Trafford) 2.2-0-16-1 v Hampshire (Southampton)
9-2-49-1

v Gloucestershire (Old Trafford) 9-4-12-3

v Yorkshire (Headingley) 9-1-21-1

v Yorkshire (Old Trafford) 9-0-33-2

Super Cup

v Sussex (Old Trafford) 10-4-14-1

NatWest Trophy

v Hertfordshire (Radlett) 8-1-43-1

v Hampshire (Southampton) 10-0-48-0

v Yorkshire (Old Trafford) 10-1-50-1