Sri Lankan cricket managers reacted with dismay to Indian spin legend Bishan Bedi's criticism of Muttiah Muralitharan's bowling action. Bedi, who took 266 wickets for India in 1960s and 70s, had said in an interview to Wisden Asia Cricket that Sri Lankan off spinner Muralitharan's action looks more of a javelin thrower than a bowler.

"Bedi's remarks are really disappointing and disturbing. He should not have said that after Muralitharan's action was cleared by the International Cricket Council," Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya told AFP. Bedi had criticised the International Cricket Council for allowing bowlers with suspect actions to play at international level.

"It is an attempt to trigger disturbance for a bowler who has been performing excellently," said Jayasuriya, here for the final of the Asian Test championship against Pakistan.

Muralitharan took 80 wickets in 12 Tests last year. He also became the fastest bowler to reach 400 wickets, achieving the milestone in 72 Tests.

He has been repeatedly no-balled in his career by umpires who believe he is "chucking" -- delivering the ball without his arm being locked at the elbow.

Tests carried out at an Australian university, however, showed that the impression is the result of a birth defect which makes Muralitharan's arm appear bent even when he has locked his elbow.

Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore said Bedi's remarks were unwarranted. "It disappointed us no end but Muralitharan is a great fighter and a great bowler so he would not be distracted by such remarks," said Whatmore.

Sri Lanka manager Chandra Schaffer criticised Bedi for creating controversies. "Not very many people take Bedi seriously, I think he thrives on controversies and that's his style," Schaffer said.

"I don't see any problems for Muralitharan in future as far as his bowling action is concerned," he concluded.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd