Kandy not sweet for Murali: star spinner has upset stomach

Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan, poised to follow Shane Warne and become the third bowler to take 500 test wickets, has been laid low on the eve of the second Test with a stomach upset. Muralitharan sat out nets on Sunday afternoon and then suffered from stomach cramps throughout the night. After Monday morning’s practice session was washed out, Muralitharan returned to his bedside for further rest. Team sources expect Muralitharan to recover in time to take his place in the team but there are concerns about his health as Sri Lanka prepare for a crucial match.

Muralitharan, who has taken 496 wickets in 86 Tests, was Sri Lanka’s top performer in Galle where he took 6/ 59 in the first innings and 5/153 in the second to finish with his 13th 10-wicket haul. Warne took his Test tally to 501 in the match. Sri Lanka’s practice was also disrupted on Sunday afternoon and the team will return to Asgiriya International Stadium as soon as there is a break in the weather. Thilan Samaraweera (groin) and Sanath Jayasuriya (hand) will both undergo fitness tests but Sri Lanka are increasingly optimistic about their chances of playing.