Murali the greatest, says Jayawardene
by CricketArchive Staff Reporter
DateLine: 1st August 2006
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene on Monday hailed Muttiah
Muralitharan as the greatest-ever spinner after another match-winning
performance in the first Test against South Africa.
The 34-year-old spin wizard picked up a match haul of 10-172 as South
Africa were thrashed by an innings and 153 runs to concede the lead in
the two-match series.
Muralitharan grabbed 6-131 as the tourists, 587 runs behind on the
first innings, were bowled out for 434 in their second knock after
lunch on the fifth day at the Sinhalese sports club.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Murali is the greatest spinner ever.
These were difficult conditions to bowl in. It was very hot and humid
and the wicket was getting slower, slower and slower as the match
progressed. I am certain he would have been named man of the match if I
had not got that big score or the record stand, " he added.
