Murali forgives Australia

Sri Lanka

Muttiah Muralitharan was accused of chucking on the 1995 and 1998 Australian tours and even though he was cleared by officials, the Sri Lankan was still taunted by the Australian crowds in follow up tours.

However, the offbreak bowler has forgiven the jeering crowds and other critics as he takes on a coaching role.

“Life is all about moving forward,” the 42-year-old told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“Not thinking about backwards and saying ‘he has done me [wrong] so I’m going to be harsh to him’. So forget and forgive and go away. That’s the way it is. My life, what happened is I was suspected, so I had to prove myself.

“I’m innocent. I have proved myself for all of 20 years. So they accept it. Bad things happen. That means you can’t be keeping vengeance in your heart and just keep on going like that. So forget and forgive and go on.”

Muralitharan, who has an incredible 800 tests wickets, even had a stint with the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. However, he has put his playing career on ice for the moment as he looks to concentrate on giving back to the game through coaching spin.

“I told the Big Bash League I’m not coming and also the Indian Premier League, I’ve advised them I’m not going to be available,” added the spin-maestro.

“My future plans are just to help spinners all around the world. That’s the role I’m going to play. I’ve taken this assignment for about 15 days. My duties is to do whatever I can to help the bowlers plus the batsmen on how to play spin. So whatever I know, I’m going to tell them.”

Australia have been fortunate to have tweakers Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell and part-timer Steve Smith all benefit from Muralitharan’s coaching

“Murali’s been great for me,” revealed Smith, who averages 31.73 with the ball in ODI’s.

“He’s come in and done a great job for us and got me going through the crease a bit more.”

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