i reckon (very cynically) that they reason muruli gets away with his action is that the ICC have a need to develop cricket and sri lanka needed a star to prevent them from turning into cannon fodder for the bigger nations. thus, they turn a bit of a blind eye to his action (mr d hair excepted) and give sri lanka a geunine world sporting superstar, boosting cricket's popularity in that country and therefore developing the game.

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viva monty!

We probably wouldn't pick him!!!

Probably wouldn't SBM as he can't bat.

The reason has more to do with politic IMO. Muralitheran is a Tamil, and is one the few bridges between Sri Lankans and Tamils in that civil war wracked country.
His action is horrendous, but i am willing to accept his continuance in the sport because of the above reason.
He strikes me a nice bloke too.

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The thought police are everywhere..............

His action is horrendous, the 15 degree law was only brought in for him. The saddest thing is he can bowl leg spin with a straight arm (to the naked eye).

I agree he is only picked for political reasons, I suspect when he retires the ICC will have a clamp down on chuckers, which to be fair they cant do now as most of the bowlers with suspect actions are no worse than Murali.

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Mark.

If his name was John Smith?
Zero chance of ever playing another game.
Politics.
Isn't cricket a wonderful game?
You can't play within the rules,don't worry,the Power Puff Girls (the I.C.C.)will change them for you.

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" You don't want the truth,you can't handle the truth."

Did they?

The 15 degree limit was set because that is the scientifically derived angle where the naked eye can appreciably notice a kink in the action.

That same report noted that 99% of all bowlers who have ever bowled in Test cricket have been, what do you call it, "chuckers"?

Maybe we should wipe clean all the records of all Test cricket then, shall we??

Three experts studying various bowlers came up with this evidence. None were Sri Lankan but I'm sure they must have fiddled the books for political reasons because we all know how powerful Sri Lanka and Murali are. The world of cricket needs strong nations all around so please tell me where the bending of the game's rules is taking place to aid WI, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe??

When recently Botha had his action cleared and Jermaine Lawson, they were allowed back into the game to continue with the verdicts accepted. Shame Murali isn't offered the same courtesy.

As for the original question, if Murali were English, he'd probably not have been picked.

Around the time Murali made his debut they were still experimenting with world class talent like Emburey and Salisbury.

He'd have found it hard to get past them.

Well said. Murali has been a huge plus for the game... and I find the ongoing criticism just plain ridiculous.

I never said Murali hasnt been good for the game. Warne and Murali have done wonders to bring attacking spin bowling back into test cricket. In my opinion (which may be right or wrong) his action is illegal, and he gets an unfair advantage from the straightening of his arm.

I know from personal experience messing about in the nets bowling SLA how much more effective I became when deliberately chucking, only straightening my arm a tiny bit. The extra pace dip and spin i obtained was remarkable. If a part time spinner can get that much assitance how much more effective would a test class spinner become?

Anyway, we all know if he was English he wouldnt get a game as :-

a) he spins the ball and takes wickets.

b) he cant bat.
and
c) he gave the dodgy pictures he has of Duncan Fletcher to Geraint Jones

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Mark.

I think that had Murali played for Australia, he would never have been called for chukking. When Lee startes, his arm was far worse than Murali, but nobody ever called him.

As for your orignal question, I think that had Murali played for England, he would not have been called until he played in the ashes.

Murali is an aritst of the modern game. I enjoyed watching him bowl when Sri Lanka played SA in CApe town a few years ago. Fans should be honoured to be able to watch guys like Warne and Murali bowl.

Please provide proof that the 15 degree law was made to accomodate Murali. Or is it another "fact" like the ICC is run by the subcontinent LOL.