Colombo, Apr 15: Controversial offspinner Muthiah Muralitharan has been included in Sri Lanka's squad to tour Zimbabwe in a move national cricket administrators hope will end speculation over his bowling action. "Murali is in the team and we hope the issue of his bowling action does not crop up again," said Ray Illangakoon, media spokesman for Sri Lanka cricket.
Illangakoon declined to elaborate, but other cricket officials said after reviewing a confidential report on Muralitharan's action, selectors were confident that there'll be no further suggestions of chucking.
Former skipper Hashan Tillakaratne was not included in the Sri Lankan touring squad. Tillakaratne quit as captain following the 3-0 Test series loss to Australia last month - Sri Lanka's first on home soil since 2001 - but had made himself available as a batsman.
Opener Marvan Atapattu was confirmed as captain of the both Test and limited-overs squads for the five one-dayers and two Tests in Zimbabwe.
Muralitharan's "doosra"- a ball that spins away from the right-handed batsmen - was questioned by International Cricket Council match referee Chris Broad after he took 28 wickets in three Tests last month against Australia. The ICC ordered the delivery of the doosra be examined by motion specialists at the University of Western Australia.
The Sri Lankan bowling review committee received and examined the findings this week before sending its observations to the ICC.
Bureau Report