Muralitharan Announces International Retirement

Colombo: Sri Lanka's legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, the highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, will retire from international cricket after the first Test against India in Galle starting July 18.

Muralitharan, who currently leads the wicket tally in Tests and ODIs, will not play any international cricket but said he would be available for the 2011 World Cup if Sri Lanka need him.

Muralitharan, who has a 18-year long career span, has taken 792 wickets in 132 Tests and 515 wickets in 337 ODIs since making his debut way back in 1992-93 season.

Murali also considered a stint in county cricket, playing for Surrey, but that is unlikely because Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) doesn't want him to play too much cricket before the World Cup.

About a year ago, Murali had announced he would retire after the home series against West Indies late this year, but in last November he said he could advance the Test retirement.

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