Murali to skip coaching classes

“Unfortunately,Murali will not be able to make it,” said the cricketer’s agent,Kashil Gunasekera. “Cricket Australia wanted him to come down for a particular period of time but it doesn’t go down well with the IPL and his Gloucestershire assignments. They (CA) wanted him to come at the end of May but then everything changed with prior commitments he had undertaken. They were trying to figure out another time,but it just couldn’t be finalised,” Gunasekera told Daily Telegraph.

Muralitharan’s decision comes at a time when Australian cricket is conducting a sweeping performance review,including addressing the nation’s depleted slow-bowling stocks that have seen Test selectors deploy 10 spinners since Shane Warne’s retirement in 2007.

The 38-year-old has endured strained relations with Australia after being called for chucking by Darrell Hair in 1995 and heckled by fans.

Gunasekera,however,insisted the decision had nothing to do with bowlers estranged relation with Australia. “He was very pleased with the invitation and he was going to consent to it but the dates clashed.

“I think Murali was very keen to do it. He’s willing to help anyone,that’s his philosophy. But after the World Cup,the IPL starts on April 7 and goes until the end of May and by June 1 he has to go to Gloucestershire,” Gunasekera stressed. National selector and former India coach Greg Chappell is though hopeful that he will be able to bring Murali to Australia later this year or in coming summers.

“I haven’t spoken to him during the World Cup,I haven’t any further news. “The invitation has been made,it will depend on what his commitments are and where he will be at various times so hopefully he can fit it in. But that’s all I can tell you. Murali will do what he needs to do – we’re hopeful it will include the Centre of Excellence,” Chappell said.

Muralitharan is currently on national duty representing his country in the cricket World Cup.