'Only Harbhajan can emulate me' - Murali

[Fazz]

Muttiah Muralitharan has singled out Harbhajan Singh as the only bowler capable of emulating his record feat in Tests. Murali, the leading wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, who will retire from the longest format later this month, also said the decline of Tests and 50-over cricket meant slow bowlers would struggle for survival.

"I think only Harbhajan can do this," Murali, who currently has 792 wickets, told PTI. I don't know how old is he and how long he will continue. But he is the only one who can achieve this feat in Test cricket." Harbhajan, 30, has bagged 355 wickets in 83 Tests to date.

Murali said it would get increasingly difficult for spinners to set the kind of records he has. "In the current scenario Test cricket is dying. One-day cricket does not have bright future. Only Twenty20 is going to survive. So it will be difficult for any slow bowler to survive so long," he said.

Murali's success was a significant factor in the turn in Sri Lanka's fortunes as a Test-playing nation, but they were unable to win a Test in India, South Africa or Australia during his 18-year career. The absence of a series win in either of these countries during his career, Murali said, remained his biggest regret. "I have achieved everything that an international cricketer can dream about. I have only one regret that I could not win (series) in India, South Africa and Australia. But one cannot get everything in life."

Murali is just eight wickets away from reaching 800 wickets, and said reaching that landmark would mark a satisfactory end to his Test career. "I don't run after records. I have the world record in my name. Although if I could get eight more wickets, it will be a good way to end. I am sure I will be able to do that in one match. If not, no worries," he said.

When asked who was the toughest batsman he bowled to, Murali said: "If we talk about the consistency, then no other batsman can match Sachin [Tendulkar] and [Brian] Lara. They are the best against whom I have bowled. I had to put in extra effort against them. I am happy that I will be able to bowl Sachin in my last Test."

Murali said he is yet to decide whether to participate in the 2011 World Cup, but was available for the IPL. "I have not given it a thought yet [about the 2011 World Cup]. I cannot say that it is off my radar but I will think about this. After that I will be able to say something about participating in the tournament," he said. "I want to continue playing in the IPL till the franchise (Chennai Super Kings) needs me."

[Momo]

That (Harbhajan overtaking Murali) - although impossible - will be fitting in a way: One chucker bettering another.

[Atif]

Lol always knew Murali was a funny guy...but dont see Harbhajan getting close to that record.

[JeeraBlade]

Old age has started to show it's signs on Murali!

[Mian Hassan]

HE wants the indian give him a good goodbye thats why he is praising them..

[cricketindiafan]

Good one from Murali. This is another way of saying "My record would not even be touched by anyone".

BTW post Murali's retirement, these will be the bowlers who are still playing and have 200+ test wickets:

Ntini - 390
Bhajji- 355
Vettori - 325
Lee - 310
Kallis - 266
Kaneria - 254
Hoggard- 248
Zaheer Khan - 242
Harmison - 226
Steyn - 211


Barring Steyn and Bhajji none of them look likely to go past even 400 test wickets

[Paradox]

*loses quite a bit of respect for Murali.. if Murali meant it seriously*

.. further proving my point that Warne is much better.

[sakss]

murali is high

[Gabbar Singh]

As well as an illegal action, just goes to show Murali also has a sense of humour.

[Dr Khan]

I think he is talking about chucking.

[SOSami]

He is probably right though - given the pitches that Bhaji plays on, the number of tests he plays and slip catching he can rely on, he probably is the only guy knocking around who could emulate Murali's 800. Never going to happen but he is the most likely from the guys knocking about (including Kaneria given the number of tests Pak play). Its all relative.

Remember, Murali doesn't say "Harbhajan is better than me" or "Harbhajan is a great", but makes the point that he feels given the way cricket is going (reduced number of tests), he is the last chance of anyone ever beating Murali's record, even if another spinner with the genius of a Warne or Murali is unearthed in the future.

[Gabbar Singh]

In a good year Harbhajan has taken 60 or more wickets from 12-13 test matches (happened thrice) so he'd need to do this consistently for another 7 or 8 years. Add in a few rubbish years so he'd need to play until he's 40.

So yes very very unlikely.

[dani2k]

Dont think Bhajjis gonna come anyway near. 500 wickets is a possibility but not many more than that.

[devang]

Originally Posted by Momo That (Harbhajan overtaking Murali) - although impossible - will be fitting in a way: One chucker bettering another.

Oh i think ....you wanted him to say that "saeed ajmal" cause
right now the spinner who throws or chuks the ball is him only...

if saeed ajmal has to break this then now he is 32 may be he needs to play till 55 ....oh i forgot first let him find a place in first 11..

[cricketindiafan]

Warne had 351 wickets in 80 at the age of 30. Took a further 357 wickets in 65 tests in his 30s.
Murali had 438 wickets in 78 tests at the age of 30. Took a further 354 wickets in 54 tests in his 30s.
Kumble had 264 wickets in 71 tests at the age of 30. Took a further 355 wickets in 71 tests in his 30s.

Bhajji has 355 wickets in 83 tests at the age of 30.

Bhajji, if he plays for another 6-7 years and around 60-70 tests will claim max 250-300 test wickets and will probably end up with 620+ wickets at max. One target he will definitely aim for is Kumble's Indian record of 619 wickets.

[IAJ]

I have faith in Raza Hasan. If the stupid selectors give him chance to play.

[Momo]

Originally Posted by devang Oh i think ....you wanted him to say that "saeed ajmal" cause right now the spinner who throws or chuks the ball is him only... if saeed ajmal has to break this then now he is 32 may be he needs to play till 55 ....oh i forgot first let him find a place in first 11..

I can understand your pain. Please be patient and steadfast.

[amar1212]

Originally Posted by cricketindiafan Warne had 351 wickets in 80 at the age of 30. Took a further 357 wickets in 65 tests in his 30s. Murali had 438 wickets in 78 tests at the age of 30. Took a further 354 wickets in 54 tests in his 30s. Kumble had 264 wickets in 71 tests at the age of 30. Took a further 355 wickets in 71 tests in his 30s. Bhajji has 355 wickets in 83 tests at the age of 30. Bhajji, if he plays for another 6-7 years and around 60-70 tests will claim max 250-300 test wickets and will probably end up with 620+ wickets at max. One target he will definitely aim for is Kumble's Indian record of 619 wickets.

I knew some indian poster will try to defend Murali by posting some fancy stats lol

its not happening boy! keep dreaming

[JeeraBlade]

Originally Posted by Momo I can understand your pain. Please be patient and steadfast.

I think, our two wins against Australia have gotten a few Indian posters, really rattled!

[devang]

Originally Posted by IAJ I have faith in Raza Hasan. If the stupid selectors give him chance to play.

who is he?????????????????

[devang]

Originally Posted by JeeraBlade I think, our two wins against Australia have gotten a few Indian posters, really rattled!

U mean to say 2 T20 slog cricket wins?????....

anyway congratulations to you guys.......i hope 2-0 scoreline in tests
also but its highly unlikely..even rameez raja is talking the same...
dont blame me alone.....

[cricketindiafan]

Originally Posted by amar1212 I knew some indian poster will try to defend Murali by posting some fancy stats lol its not happening boy! keep dreaming

Did you read the post in full? Maybe, try reading it again and it might dawn upon you that I am also saying the same thing!!

[DOOSRA95]

Originally Posted by Momo That (Harbhajan overtaking Murali) - although impossible - will be fitting in a way: One chucker bettering another.

[amar1212]

Originally Posted by cricketindiafan Did you read the post in full? Maybe, try reading it again and it might dawn upon you that I am also saying the same thing!!

I was talking about Kumble's record

[amar1212]

Originally Posted by devang U mean to say 2 T20 slog cricket wins?????.... anyway congratulations to you guys.......i hope 2-0 scoreline in tests also but its highly unlikely..even rameez raja is talking the same... dont blame me alone.....

India has trouble even winning those!

[mastermind_quad]

Originally Posted by Momo That (Harbhajan overtaking Murali) - although impossible - will be fitting in a way: One chucker bettering another.

and another chucker inline .... maybe bettering 2nd one....haha..

[devang]

Originally Posted by amar1212 India has trouble even winning those!

Yeh true...

hope these 2 slog cricket wins wil help you gain some points in test rankings...

coming to the topic ..i think harbhajan cant catch that record..but he is most likely to get close to it if he contiune performing better in coming years...

[amar1212]

Originally Posted by devang Yeh true... hope these 2 slog cricket wins wil help you gain some points in test rankings... coming to the topic ..i think harbhajan cant catch that record..but he is most likely to get close to it if he contiune performing better in coming years...

I like ur sense of humor

[cricketindiafan]

Originally Posted by amar1212 I like ur sense of humor

Lagta hai aapko Hrabhajan se kuch jyada hi pyaar hai

[amar1212]

Originally Posted by cricketindiafan Lagta hai aapko Hrabhajan se kuch jyada hi pyaar hai

no but i like comedy..and this thread is full of it

[cric_fan82]

are u kidding me?? Aamer, Ajmal, Gul are the best bowlers around, didnt u see the last two matches?? they gonna break all records possible

[Pakistan_Zindabaad]

Bhaggi the chucker averages 52 against Pakistan

http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/...;type=allround

[Nics]

Originally Posted by cric_fan82 are u kidding me?? Aamer, Ajmal, Gul are the best bowlers around, didnt u see the last two matches?? they gonna break all records possible

Why u forgot about Afridi. He has started playing test matches again. The beast will brake all records.

[Nics]

Bhajji won't even come close to Murali's record, I think he would end at around 550 wickets. That too if India plays more test matches.

[devang]

Originally Posted by amar1212 no but i like comedy..and this thread is full of it

I think saeed ajmal is most likely to break murlis record at the end of age 55......this might be a possible statement for you ..and not comic...

[dinakar]

If Harbhajan is a chucker, then so Ajmal because to the naked eye both bend to the same magnitude. Ajmal bends even more for his doosra. Anyway, all come under 15 degree and hence both are legal.

[dinakar]

to the OP. Murli's record gonna staye for a long time, probably for ever. well, Bhajji might end up as the third spinner in the tally behind Murli and Warne.

[MAJID-SHAH]

hahaha..great joke murali !

[+AFRIDI+]

It would be tough for anyone to break that record.

He is probably playing to the Indian media a little, but if Harbhajan continues playing for another 5-8 years he will certainly be in with a shout.

However, I find it hard to believe that India won't find a quality spinner to replace him before he gets close, given their rich history.

Infact the only guy who has a genuine chance of breaking the record (with him now playing regularly) is Afridi.

[jattafridi]

Bhajji tua kya koee bhee murli ka record nahee tuar sakta

[sully3]

well mulari thats fine what u think of him, but my question to you is.
why do pakistani's play harbhjan like a local club player. he gets smashed against us.


seriously ajmal is a better bowler then harbajhan.

[UmarMalik]

I doubt Harbhajan can even get close to Murali !

Harbhajan isnt as demolishing as he used to be in the past.. so.. i hate to say this murali, but your predictions are wrong !

[jusarrived]

Originally Posted by Momo That (Harbhajan overtaking Murali) - although impossible - will be fitting in a way: One chucker bettering another.

agreed.

sad Ajmal is 32 , he would have been perfect to take over from these two though

[Dare2Dream]

Looks like Murali's statement didn't go too well here on PP ;)

[kingusama92]

I don't see anyone [who is currently playing] breaking that record.

If it is to be broken it will be done by a player from one of Australia or England. They play the most tests.

[Stewie]

Most pundits don't even credit muralis wickets because they should be considered runouts.

[ali2220]

Originally Posted by jusarrived agreed. sad Ajmal is 32 , he would have been perfect to take over from these two though

Huh, Ajmal doesn't even play test matches, no point mentioning his age as it isn't a barrier.

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by cricketindiafan Good one from Murali. This is another way of saying "My record would not even be touched by anyone". BTW post Murali's retirement, these will be the bowlers who are still playing and have 200+ test wickets: Ntini - 390 Bhajji- 355 Vettori - 325 Lee - 310 Kallis - 266 Kaneria - 254 Hoggard- 248 Zaheer Khan - 242 Harmison - 226 Steyn - 211 Barring Steyn and Bhajji none of them look likely to go past even 400 test wickets

Looking at the bowlers in bold and number of wickets they have taken in Tests...Shoaib should do a 'Chulloo bhar paani mein doob mer' trick.

Even Zaheer is way ahead of him

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by jusarrived agreed. sad Ajmal is 32 , he would have been perfect to take over from these two though

Sour Grapes...you have the Javelin man playing in your team and accuse someone who actually uses his fingers to get the doosra delivered...unlike Chuckie who spears it in with bent elbow visible from any part of the stadium

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by cricketindiafan Warne had 351 wickets in 80 at the age of 30. Took a further 357 wickets in 65 tests in his 30s. Murali had 438 wickets in 78 tests at the age of 30. Took a further 354 wickets in 54 tests in his 30s. Kumble had 264 wickets in 71 tests at the age of 30. Took a further 355 wickets in 71 tests in his 30s. Bhajji has 355 wickets in 83 tests at the age of 30. Bhajji, if he plays for another 6-7 years and around 60-70 tests will claim max 250-300 test wickets and will probably end up with 620+ wickets at max. One target he will definitely aim for is Kumble's Indian record of 619 wickets.

For that, One Jayaparkash have to come back and umpire in every Indian test match

[cric_fan82]

Originally Posted by Monsee Sour Grapes...you have the Javelin man playing in your team and accuse someone who actually uses his fingers to get the doosra delivered...unlike Chuckie who spears it in with bent elbow visible from any part of the stadium

sour grapes are what you are saying buddy!

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Dare2Dream Looks like Murali's statement didn't go too well here on PP ;)

More like Momo's statement hasnt gone too well with our friends from across the border

[pinger]

It's is funny to see everyone here admitting Murali pelts it; but god forbid an Australian suggests it.

[acewings]

Originally Posted by pinger It's is funny to see everyone here admitting Murali pelts it; but god forbid an Australian suggests it.

Then I wouldn't be surprised if all PP'ers would come to Murali's defence...

[dinakar]

Originally Posted by Monsee Sour Grapes...you have the Javelin man playing in your team and accuse someone who actually uses his fingers to get the doosra delivered...unlike Chuckie who spears it in with bent elbow visible from any part of the stadium

one advice for you,
"Nationalism is one thing but blind one is retarded"

[Random Aussie]

Doubt anyone will get near Murali's record.

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by cric_fan82 sour grapes are what you are saying buddy!

Is that the best could you come up with...cannot defend your Javeline thrower (who BTW averages 50+ against Pak with wickets as scarce as an Indian bowler crosing the 150 KMH mark) so point the finger at someone that clearly does not spear it in

[Monsee]

Originally Posted by dinakar one advice for you, "Nationalism is one thing but blind one is retarded"

What is ironic that you are pretty much laughing at your own self...Harbajan was stopped from bowling his Doosra and even when only bowling his so-called off-breaks, he looks like throwing spears and yet barely gets any wickets against good players of spin.

Do tell what part of my earlier statement you disagree with?

[amar1212]

nuff said..

[ali110]

Originally Posted by Momo That (Harbhajan overtaking Murali) - although impossible - will be fitting in a way: One chucker bettering another.

Spot on.
Only a cheater can emulate a cheater.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by pinger It's is funny to see everyone here admitting Murali pelts it; but god forbid an Australian suggests it.

I think you need to pay a visit to a dictionary

fwiw I dont think Murali is a chucker

[zimran72]

Bhajji will never have more run outs than Murali. Never.

[MalikMohsin]

Thank you for everything, and what you contributed for the world cricket, and the whole world really enjoyed watching your bowling. You are impossible cricketer, and can not be replaced considering Test format won't survive in the future. Well Done! Murali

Harbajjan Singh will break your record and that will happen very soon as he plays Malik in Test series, that is likely to take place in next year.

The chance of conceding 800 runs against Malik, is still very high.

[dinakar]

Originally Posted by Monsee What is ironic that you are pretty much laughing at your own self...Harbajan was stopped from bowling his Doosra and even when only bowling his so-called off-breaks, he looks like throwing spears and yet barely gets any wickets against good players of spin. Do tell what part of my earlier statement you disagree with?

Harbhajan has been called for suspected action, went to bio mechanics test and cleared. he hasn't been topped from bowling doosra. If you are not aware, Ajmal was also reported for suspect action.

[MalikMohsin]

Originally Posted by dinakar Harbhajan has been called for suspected action, went to bio mechanics test and cleared. he hasn't been topped from bowling doosra. If you are not aware, Ajmal was also reported for suspect action.

But Ajmal was cleared, and started bowling doosra. Beside, CA has habit of accusing any spinner of suspect action just because they can not understand doosra.

I haven't seen any doosra from Harbajjan. Perhaps, i've missed some doosra in Asia Cup. From what i've seen, He has changed from attacking to defensive, and became economical bowler. I still believe he can bounce back in Test, but will he try to bowl some doosra or not? That's what we have to wait for.

[mastermind_quad]

Originally Posted by +AFRIDI+ It would be tough for anyone to break that record. He is probably playing to the Indian media a little, but if Harbhajan continues playing for another 5-8 years he will certainly be in with a shout. However, I find it hard to believe that India won't find a quality spinner to replace him before he gets close, given their rich history. Infact the only guy who has a genuine chance of breaking the record (with him now playing regularly) is Afridi.

All the Best Afridi ...
btw is he goin to play each n every Test from now onwards what abt next retirement in this format ...

[mastermind_quad]

Originally Posted by dinakar If Harbhajan is a chucker, then so Ajmal because to the naked eye both bend to the same magnitude. Ajmal bends even more for his doosra. Anyway, all come under 15 degree and hence both are legal.

Exactly....

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by MalikMohsin But Ajmal was cleared, and started bowling doosra. Beside, CA has habit of accusing any spinner of suspect action just because they can not understand doosra.

Some more uniformed comment here....CA never accused Ajmal of anything. It was Pakistan umpires who reported him but hey, truth aint relevant on here anymore.

[dinakar]

Originally Posted by MalikMohsin But Ajmal was cleared, and started bowling doosra. Beside, CA has habit of accusing any spinner of suspect action just because they can not understand doosra. I haven't seen any doosra from Harbajjan. Perhaps, i've missed some doosra in Asia Cup. From what i've seen, He has changed from attacking to defensive, and became economical bowler. I still believe he can bounce back in Test, but will he try to bowl some doosra or not? That's what we have to wait for.

he is completely free to bowl doosra. he has been bowling doosra but those were smashed to the boundary which is a totally different issue

It's not CA accusing, it's the onfield umpires reporting to the referee. they have a point in reporting,

[MalikMohsin]

Originally Posted by Random Aussie Some more uniformed comment here....CA never accused Ajmal of anything. It was Pakistan umpires who reported him but hey, truth aint relevant on here anymore.

Of course, Watson didn't complain about his suspect action, and reported it to the umpires which led to the suspect action case.

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by MalikMohsin Of course, Watson didn't complain about his suspect action, and reported it to the umpires which led to the suspect action case.

Of course, because you know everything, you would know that players cannot report another player for throwing, the umpires have to.

And of course you can't prove Watson reported Ajmal (even though he can't under the rules) but still you will post ******** as fact.

So again, prove it or stop making things up.

[mastermind_quad]

Originally Posted by MalikMohsin Of course, Watson didn't complain about his suspect action, and reported it to the umpires which led to the suspect action case.

okies u mean Watto <==> CA

[MalikMohsin]

Originally Posted by Random Aussie Of course, because you know everything, you would know that players cannot report another player for throwing, the umpires have to. And of course you can't prove Watson reported Ajmal (even though he can't under the rules) but still you will post ******** as fact. So again, prove it or stop making things up.

Didn't you see the first ODI of Pakistan-Australia in Abu Dhabi?

There was argument between Ajmal and Watson about his action, and the umpires interfered, and the next thing you know Ajmal was reported for suspect action. I am speaking from the first ODI. That is enough evidence to prove.

[JeeraBlade]

Originally Posted by dinakar one advice for you, "Nationalism is one thing but blind one is retarded"

Didn't know Raj Singh Dungarpur was a retrated Pakistani national!

Dungarpur said that in 2005 -- well before Chucky started bowling doosra!

He also came down severely on Harbhajan Singh's statement yesterday supporting his captain. "He should concentrate on his arm, rather than talk about whether Ganguly is right or wrong," he said. "Once a chucker always a chucker," was his verdict on Harbhajan, who recently crossed the 200-wicket mark in Test cricket.

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/220178.html


For young Indians, who are not old enough to know who Dungarpur was;
http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/424650.html

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by MalikMohsin Didn't you see the first ODI of Pakistan-Australia in Abu Dhabi? There was argument between Ajmal and Watson about his action, and the umpires interfered, and the next thing you know Ajmal was reported for suspect action. I am speaking from the first ODI. That is enough evidence to prove.

Watson is a mong (just thought I would throw that in) and he may well have mentioned it to the umpires (cant say for certain) BUT it was the umpires that made the call - the umpires were Rauf and Bowden so not sure why you have added the CA into this

[dinakar]

Originally Posted by JeeraBlade Didn't know Raj Singh Dungarpur was a retrated Pakistani national! Dungarpur said that in 2005 -- well before Chucky started bowling doosra! http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/220178.html For young Indians, who are not old enough to know who Dungarpur was; http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/424650.html

you don't know the history of that statement, so better don't fool yourself.

I just said, if harby is a chucker then so ajmal. but some fellows wearing specs through which the see only bhajji bends and ajmal pretty clear!

[MalikMohsin]

^ Geordie Ahmed

That's where all of this has started. Umpires normally don't report without any reason. I meant for one player, but didn't want to name it, therefore, used the board name instead.

Saeed Ajmal has the history of suspect action reported for good.


Anyways, did you delete some my previous comments? I have crossed the line, and that's why i am asking the favor to remove those comments of mine.

[mastermind_quad]

Originally Posted by JeeraBlade Didn't know Raj Singh Dungarpur was a retrated Pakistani national! Dungarpur said that in 2005 -- well before Chucky started bowling doosra! http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/220178.html For young Indians, who are not old enough to know who Dungarpur was; http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/424650.html

Sorry bro but this time u come up with bad ....

For Ajmal > 15 degree ... very own PP thread.
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...ad.php?t=73037


Chucking and Pakistan bowlers
http://highyengar.wordpress.com/2009...istan-bowlers/

and bro i can come up with numerous article n statement's for Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Mohammed Hafeez.

so that proves everybody mentioned r chucker ...LOLz....

[amar1212]

Where did Saeed Ajmal come from??? I thought this thread was about Murali making a joke before he retires from cricket..

[Nics]

Originally Posted by JeeraBlade Didn't know Raj Singh Dungarpur was a retrated Pakistani national! Dungarpur said that in 2005 -- well before Chucky started bowling doosra! http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/220178.html For young Indians, who are not old enough to know who Dungarpur was; http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/424650.html

If Dungarpur calls him chucker. So he becomes a chucker. If that's the logic. didn't Pakistan's former coach Intikhab Alam called Pakistan players 'mentally retarded. So are they??
Its one thing to disagree or agree with Murali's statement and different thing to call them both or Bhajji a chucker.