Australian taunts no hindrance to Murali, says coach

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's new coach Trevor Bayliss said on Monday that Muttiah Muralitharan should not worry about being taunted during the side's upcoming tour of Australia.   

"Murali is one of the world's best bowlers and I am sure the Australians will look forward to see him performing in the two Tests," Bayliss said, responding to possible anti-Murali sentiments among the coach's countrymen.   

Muralitharan has endured a turbulent relationship with Australian crowds since he was no-balled for throwing by Australian umpire Darrell Hair in the 1995 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.   

Muralitharan needs nine wickets to surpass retired Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne's world record tally of 708.   

The off-spinner could achieve the feat in the two Tests in Brisbane and Hobart in November or during the home series against England in December.   

Muralitharan skipped the 2004 tour to Australia after being branded a chucker by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, but has said he will tour in November.