Chairman BCCSL and Chairman ACB comments on Wisden's Top ranking on Murali.....
BCCSL - 18 December 2002
Hemaka Amerasuriya says recognition on Murali well deserved, quotes Sir
Bradman "Murali shows the highest discipline of any spin bowler since the
Second World War"
ACB Chairman hopes the 'great bowler' would be seen in action soon, shows
concern regarding recent articles.
Hemaka D.S. Amerasuriya, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, has
responded to newspaper articles which have quoted retired International
Unpires Ross Emerson and Col Egar.
"It defies belief that the opinion of these two gentemen which have been
accepted as being in error continue to make headlines in the context of
articles which seem to suggest there is some credibility to their quite
erroneous views," said Mr. Amerasuriya.
Referring to the articles in the 15 December 2002 edition of the Brisbane
Sunday Mail, he could only express surprise that such prominence could be
given to the opinion of Messrs Emerson and Egar in the face of the
undeniably credible strength of the opposing view.
Responding in firm terms to the criticism of the bowling style of Muttiah
Muralitharan, wo has been named as the Number One bowler in the World in
Wisden's Top 10 listing Mr. Amerasuriya referred to the view of Sir Donald
Bradman, holding the corresponding Number One spot for barsman. Referring
to the articles in the Sunday Mail, which were based primarily on the views
of Messrs Emerson and Egar. Mr. Amerasuriya stated: " One wonders what was
in the mind of the author of those articles or whether or not they were
even aware of the evidence which clearly exists which should put this issue
to bed once and for all.
" Not only has the International Cricket Council thoroughly examined and
fully exonerated Muralitharan's bowling techniques as being quite in order,
Sir Donald Bradman, arguably the greatest cricketer of all times, has
praised since the Second World War," said Mr. Amerasuriya. He went on to
state that on top of all that, Wisden's had chosen Muralitharan as its top
bowler and in so doing, undeniably would have thoroughly examined all
aspects of the game and his meritorious record.
Hitting back at the suggestion that Emerson's career had been cut short as
a result of his calling of Muralitharan, Mr. Amerasuriya commented that,
may be his view but it is not a view shared by others.
In responding to the suggestion in the Sunday Mail article where Ross
Emerson is quoted as suggested that "....Asian cricket countries run the
game because of all the money with the TV rights, " Mr. Amerasuriya said he
would not give credibility to such a scurrilous remark by commenting on it.
In an emotional plea to the media to take heed of those who are in a better
position to judge, Mr. Amerasuriya asked for the recognition of
Muralitharan which he emphasized he believed was well deserved. "Sir Donald
Bradman has been quoted previously as stating that clearly, in his view,
Murali does not throw the ball and his view has been vindicated officially
and publicly. Shouldn't that now be the end of the matter? " Said Mr.
Amerasuriya."
Meanwhile, in welcoming the Sri Lanka Team in Australia the Chairman of the
Australian Cricket Board, Mr. Bob Merriman, confirmed he had talked to Mr.
Amerasuriya and shared his concern regarding the recent articles about
Muttiah Muralitharan.
The ACB greatly values its relationship with the BCCSL. We look forward to
the participation of the Sri Lanka Team in the VB Series and hope that
Muralitharan can make a fully and complete recovery so that Australian
Cricket fans can see this great bowler in action, he said.
© BCCSL