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Warne-Muralitharan Legacy Board Unveiled at Galle: A Tribute to Spin Icons
By CricShots - Jan 30, 2025 5:01 pm
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A tribute to two of cricket’s greatest spinners, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan adorns the entrance to the Galle International Stadium now. The tribute in terms of a commemorative display, unveiled before the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia and the inaugural Warne-Muralitharan Trophy, has fans honouring the duo by adding their signature to a board dedicated to the task.

Muttiah Muralitharan
Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) took to social media to share the initiative, urging fans to sign the display as a tribute. Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof was the first to put his name on the display, which promises to be a poignant tribute throughout the series. The Legacy Board will be in place for the duration of the two-match Test series, a lasting reminder of their impact on the game.

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The Warne-Muralitharan Trophy itself has an old history behind it. This was first contested in 2007 as a homage to the unprecedented feats by both the two spin magicians. Australia won nine of the 15 tests played under the new name so far, but what makes the series more intriguing is the almost symmetrical number of Tests they have played each other—Warne and Muralitharan each took exactly 59 wickets apiece while playing 13 Tests each against each other’s teams.

 

Warne, with his tactical brilliance, maintained an average of 25.54 and an economy rate under three against Sri Lanka, including two 10-wicket match hauls. Muralitharan, though a bit more expensive than Warne, had better innings and match figures, making him Test cricket’s all-time leading wicket-taker.

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The ongoing Test is now firmly in the hands of Australia. Usman Khawaja’s brilliant double century, along with centuries from Steve Smith and Josh Inglis, propelled them past 550 runs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Prabath Jayasuriya (3 wickets) and Jeffrey Vandersay (2 wickets), have struggled to make inroads, while off-spinner Nishan Peiris, playing just his second Test, remains wicketless. At stumps, the Aussies, at 591/5 after 141 overs, are clearly in the driver’s seat. This is likely to be a challenging match for the hosts.