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31 August 2004
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Tuesday
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14 Rajab 1425
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Benaud's XI should have had Murali, Akram: Ranatunga
NEW DELHI, Aug 30: Setting off a debate over Australian Cricket legend Richie Benaud's choice for World XI, former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga has objected to exclusion of bowlers like Muttiah Muralitharan and Wasim Akram from elite list.
The highly successful Sri Lankan off-spinner Murlitharan would figure in Ranatunga's all time team and so would Pakistan's legendary bowler Wasim Akram. Benaud's team has only one slow bowler in Shane Warne.
"In my team Murali will be first choice for a spinner. I prefer him as he is a better bowler. Even in record books, he will come earlier than Shane Warne," said Ranatunga, who led Lanka to victory in 1996 World Cup.
"Wasim Akram should also be there. These two will get into my side any day, whether it is a one-day or Test team," he said. Benaud's XI comprised Jack Hobbes (England), Sunil Gavaskar (India), Don Bradman (Australia), Sachin Tendulkar (India), Viv Richards (West Indies), Imran Khan (Pakistan), Garfield Sobers (West Indies), Adam Gilchrist (Australia), Shane Warne (Australia), Sidney Barnes (England) and Dennis Lillee (Australia).
On Tendulkar, Ranatunga said, "he is the best I have ever seen. Unfortunately, Tendulkar is struggling with injuries and form but I think, class cannot be kept out for long. So he will come back strongly soon." -PPI
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