Murali to help Aussies plot against Sri Lanka

The 44-year-old former off-spinner, still the highest wicket-taker in test cricket with 800 scalps, had a similar short-term consulting stint with Australia in 2014. 

“Murali’s got a lot of experience in Sri Lanka,” Australia captain Steve Smith said. “He took a truckload of wickets. “It’s great to have someone like that helping our spinners in this series - to give us that insight. He’s been really good around the group so far, and he’s enjoying his time with us.” Muralitharan, who has been helping Australian spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe in the nets, said he was looking for short-term jobs and had no problems helping the visitors plot against his own country. 

“I’m not involved in Sri Lankan cricket at all because there are (other) people who are involved,” Muralitharan said. “Then, on and off, Australia offered me twice so I said ‘why not’ because you are passing on the knowledge to other people. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your country or other people.