Cricket Australia and Sri Lanka Cricket have announced a new perpetual trophy named in honour of the two highest wicket-takers in Test history.
Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralidaran, the two greatest bowlers in world cricket history with more than 1400 Test wickets between them, have lent their names to the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, a perpetual prize that will be played for in Test Series between Australia and Sri Lanka.
The announcement celebrates the 25th anniversary of Australia-Sri Lanka Test cricket, with the silver trophy featuring casts of Warne and Muralidaran’s right hands and match-used cricket balls bowled by both players during their careers.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said it was a fitting tribute to two players who have left an indelible mark on world cricket.
“Both Shane and Muttiah have broken the 700-wicket barrier and inspired young cricketers around the world to try their hands at spin bowling,” Sutherland said.
“We think it’s a fitting tribute to both players by naming the perpetual Australia versus Sri Lanka Test Series trophy after them.”
“We see the inception of this trophy as yet another step in celebrating the wonderful history between both nations while continuing to build its stature in the years to come.”
Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Officer Duleep Mendis echoed the remarks.
“We are proud of the rivalry between our nation and Australia and think this trophy will help add to the sense of occasion every time we do battle,” Mendis said.
Shane Warne said he felt very proud to be sharing this honor with his fellow spin king Muralidaran.
“We’ve had some great battles in the past and helped raise each other’s game to the heights that we’ve reached,” Warne said.
“The rivalry between Australia and Sri Lanka has grown immeasurably over the last decade and I know my former Australian teammates will be super keen to be the first country to win the trophy when they do battle this November.
“Personally, Sri Lanka means something special to me. It was where I first achieved success as a Test bowler and it also moved me when I saw the courage with which the people of Sri Lanka responded to the tragic Tsunami during my visit there immediately afterwards.”
“I have enormous respect for Shane Warne and I consider it a great honour to have a trophy named after both of us,” Muralidaran said.
“Australia also gave me one of my most memorable moments when I played at the MCG in the Tsunami fund raiser.
“The coming Test series is a great opportunity for our team against Australia and I’m looking forward to bowling in Australia again.”
Australia takes on Sri Lanka in the first 3 mobile Test match of the summer at the Gabba in Brisbane before heading to Hobart for the second 3 mobile Test at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval.
The Gabba will host its 50th Test in 2007-08, while Bellerive Oval will welcome Sri Lanka for the first time since the 1989-90 season. That match was also the first Test played in Tasmania.
Tickets to both matches are still available through Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122 or via ticketmaster.com.au.
Warne and Muralidaran will unveil the trophy before the second 3 mobile Test in Hobart.
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