October 04 Friday 2002
Murali's mystery ball for Aussies: magazine

SYDNEY: Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan says he has a mystery ball which he will use against Australia in December.

Muralitharan says he has been working on an off-spinner's version of the flipper ahead of the One-day International series against Australia and England in Australia. "I bowl it with my same action, a slightly flatter trajectory and it skids through faster than normal," Muralitharan told new Australian publication 'Cricket Week' released here on Thursday. "I've been trying it, but only in the nets so far. I want to be able to perfect it."

Muralitharan is looking to use the flipper before February's World Cup in South Africa, adding to an arsenal which has netted 430 Test wickets and 297 One-day International scalps. The 30-year-old said he had always planned to return to Australia, where he was called for throwing by umpires. Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist added to the controversy when he admitted doubts over the bowler's action when questioned at a Melbourne football function earlier this year.

But, having been cleared by the International Cricket Council, Muralitharan said it was a non-issue. "I have proved (to) the world that I am fair. It is all finished now. In my mind I am not doing any unfair things. I am strong in mind and I fight for everything. I've had lots of workouts. My success is not chance. 

"I've had so many problems and ups and downs. Even when I was down I've thought I have to do well and I've fought back from these moments. "For some reason they try to put you down. Ninety to 95 per cent don't. It's just the smallest percentages which do."