Champion off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is ready to unleash his bewildering mix of tricks against the Indian batsmen in the Super Six game Monday but is wondering whether he would be effective against Sachin Tendulkar and company.
Muralitharan, rated as the world's best-ever bowler by Wisden, admitted that it was very difficult to bowl spin against the Indian batsmen, particularly Tendulkar.
"He is the greatest batsman of our times and I feel he would have an answer to my tricks," Muralitharan said.
"He's an exceptionally good player of spin and reads the ball very early. It's a very big challenge to bowl to him. You just cannot fox him.
"But it's a contest I am looking forward to," he said.
Tendulkar has not faced Muralitharan for the last three years and the Sri Lankan was hoping this would work to his advantage.
"I am a vastly improved bowler from what I was three years ago. I hope it proves enough for the Indians," he said but added it would not be easy.
"I have had my moments against them but their batsmen are formidable and have also often come on top against me," Muralitharan said.
Murali has strengthened his already deadly repertoire by developing the 'wrong-un' which he bowls without any discernible change in action. There is neither an extra loop, nor does he come any nearer to the stumps while bowling.
"I have worked hard on it in the nets and am now comfortable enough to bowl it in the middle," Muralitharan said. "I haven't played against Indians much in the last three years and hope this new trick comes handy."
Murali would be kept on his toes not only by the Indian batsmen but also Harbhajan Singh who has built a tremendous reputation in the last couple of years.
"He has done well for himself and I rate him high," said Muralitharan. "(But) There is no contest as such between us. We would be trying to do our best for our respective teams."
Muralitharan has been in decent form in this World Cup without being quite at his destructive best. His 13 wickets from seven games at 17.07 at a good economy rate of 3.65 is better than any Indian bowler.
Though he has bowled well, Muralitharan has not been able to extract his monstrous spin on these South African wickets.
"The wickets have generally not been helpful to spin. There has only been little spin but that's expected. I don't expect Wanderers to behave any differently," he said.
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