Murali honoured by Old Antonians in Melbourne

by Dr. Quintus de Zyiva

CRICKET: Old Antonians in Melbourne turned up in their numbers to greet their local cricket here Muttiah Muralitharan at the 'CRICKET BALL' held in honour of the Sri Lanka cricketers held at The Grand on Cathes Lane last month.

Murali was presented with a crystal engraving which read "Congratulations Murali in becoming the highest wicket-taker in Test history" from the proud Old Antonians in Melbourne, Murali was delighted to know that the Old Antonians in Melbourne still has not forgotten their old school.

He was also the star attraction at the dinner hosted by the Sri Lanka Cricket Foundation of Victoria. Then four years ago, the great Sri Lankan bowler was presented with a memento of Sir Donald Bradman who was of the opinion that Murali was one of the greatest spinners the world would ever see and the world's greatest batsman Bradman never saw anything wrong with Muralitharan's bowling action.

The antonians in Melbourne are a happy lot and they have supported their old school - St. Anthony's College, Katugastota with donations over 30,000 dollars. The Old Antonians' one wish is that Murali will reach magical figures of 1,000 Test wickets before he retires.