Murali, all rounder

Few people talk about  Murali’s all round capability. Some would argue that is because he has no such ability. Todays performance heaped bucket loads of egg on those peoples faces.

Murali, as we all know now, is a bit of an unorthodox player. He is a non conformist in every sense of the word. This lends it self into his batting as well. His batting technique is unique to him. Kind of like Philip Hughes. But he doesn’t get dropped for it.

Today it was in full flow. It is a curious mixture of precise footwork, usually to the leg side,  and immense hand eye-coordination only a player like Murali can pull off. His first 4 balls went for 1, 4,6,4. In four balls his wagon wheel had lines all around the wicket, including a brilliantly angled shot over the keeper.

He ended up with 32 off 15. What made it even more remarkable was that Sri Lanka were 7-173 when he strode in with his arm guard and massive eyes. A knock like that in a situation takes plenty of testicular effort. Or as the kids say it – it took balls.

But for a man with a good 610 ODIs runs in his 329 games pressure does not really register.

I think he got some wickets too in the end. All Rounders are good like that you know.

5 Comments

  1. gihan said:

    good one damith . it cracked me up… dave tickner & some blokes @ football365 are the only ones who makes me laugh these days.

    keep em coming

    July 30, 2009
    Reply
  2. Dulan said:

    Good point. I’m not sure how legit the story is – given the wonderful nature of my memory – but I think the Dilscoop should actually be called the Muraliscoop.

    Sometime back I recall watching Murali attempt the shot that Dilshan’s made his own, while in Kandy. Of course, I can’t remember when, but I also remember the commentators mentioning something about that being the shorter boundary and how Murali played it often as a schoolboy.

    Not to take anything away from Dilshan though – he’s played it often enough to earn the bragging rights…

    Given that we won by 36 runs, Murali’s contribution is amazing. Remember that match with Bangladesh?

    Spendid’s got big shoes to fill…

    July 31, 2009
    Reply
  3. Cityhits said:

    Murali played very well today, specialy in Batting, Awsome Inn’ings… Keep it up

    July 31, 2009
    Reply
  4. REBEL said:

    why is tharanga in the side again.this guy is getting chances everyday.what abt udawatte? is there a conspiracy to keep tharanga in coz he’s in the good books of senior players,selectors and agents……………
    for more-Melbourne Diaries(kottu)
    rebelofmelbourne.blogspot.com

    July 31, 2009
    Reply
  5. Krish said:

    The key is that he has to do it consistently to be called an all-rounder. In a long career, once in a while, you can throw your bat around and be lucky.

    August 1, 2009
    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *