Muttiah Muralitharan: The accusation against his action

Cricket is a sport filled with passion, talent, and controversies. One such controversy that gripped the cricketing world for years was the accusation against Sri Lankan spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan’s bowling action. Considered one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game, Muralitharan’s unorthodox action raised questions about its legality. This article delves into the accusations against Muralitharan’s action, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) response, and the infamous 1995 Boxing Day Test match incident involving umpire Darrell Hair.

The accusation against Muttiah Muralitharan‘s Action

Muttiah Muralitharan, known for his mesmerizing spin and extraordinary control over the ball, faced accusations regarding his bowling action. The primary concern stemmed from the perception that his action exceeded the permissible limit of straightening the elbow during the bowling motion, which is restricted by the ICC to preserve the integrity of the game.

The scrutiny intensified in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Muralitharan’s reputation as a wicket-taking machine began to grow. Many former cricketers, experts, and even opposition players openly questioned the legitimacy of his action. The off-spinner’s unusual wrist position and the rapidity with which he delivered his doosra added fuel to the fire. Several prominent figures in the cricketing world, most notably Australian and English cricketers, were vocal in their criticisms.

ICC’s Assessment of Muralitharan’s Action

In response to the mounting concerns over Muralitharan’s action, the ICC launched an investigation into the matter. The process involved rigorous testing of his bowling action using state-of-the-art technology to ascertain the degree of elbow straightening during his deliveries. In 1996, a biomechanics study was conducted at the University of Western Australia, which found that Muralitharan’s action exceeded the then-allowed 5-degree tolerance limit.

However, the ICC acknowledged that his hyperextension was a congenital condition and not an intentional attempt to bend the rules. As a result, Muralitharan was given the benefit of the doubt, and his action was deemed legal. The bowling regulations were later amended to accommodate bowlers with such unique physiological attributes.

1995 Boxing Day Test Match Incident with Umpire Darrell Hair

One of the most infamous incidents involving Muralitharan’s bowling action occurred during the 1995 Boxing Day Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Umpire Darrell Hair, who officiated the match, no-balled Muralitharan seven times during his spell for alleged chucking.

The decision sparked heated debates and caused considerable tension between the two teams. Muralitharan, who was only 23 at the time, faced immense pressure and scrutiny during the match. The incident became a turning point in his career, and he felt disheartened by the accusations.

In the aftermath, the Sri Lankan cricket board lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, and the matter was thoroughly investigated. As mentioned earlier, the biomechanics study conducted in 1996 eventually vindicated Muralitharan, and the ICC ruled that his action was within the allowed limits of straightening.

Controversy and Backlash

Despite the ICC’s verdict, Muralitharan’s action continued to be a contentious issue in cricketing circles. Certain segments of the cricketing fraternity, especially from countries like Australia and England, remained critical of the decision to permit his action. This led to occasional confrontations between players and further fueled the controversy surrounding the Sri Lankan spinner.

Muralitharan’s Remarkable Career

Despite the persistent criticism, Muttiah Muralitharan remained resilient and continued to dominate world cricket. His remarkable talent enabled him to overcome adversities and become the leading wicket-taker in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket. His impressive record, including 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI wickets, silenced many of his critics and solidified his place among the all-time cricketing greats.

Conclusion

The accusations against Muttiah Muralitharan’s bowling action were a significant chapter in the history of cricket, marked by controversy and heated debates. The ICC’s thorough investigations and subsequent clearance provided much-needed vindication for the Sri Lankan legend. While the 1995 Boxing Day Test match incident with Umpire Darrell Hair remains a black spot in the sport’s history, it also spurred necessary changes in the regulations to accommodate bowlers with unique actions.

Muralitharan’s legacy remains intact, not just for his on-field achievements but also for his ability to overcome challenges and criticism with unwavering determination. The cricketing world should remember him as a true ambassador of the game, whose brilliance with the ball brought joy to fans worldwide, and whose resilience serves as an inspiration for generations of cricketers to come.

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