Chairman BCCSL and Chairman ACB comments on Wisden's Top ranking on Murali.....

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.