JOHANNESBURG, Feb 7: Sri Lanka received a boost on Friday ahead of their opening World Cup game against New Zealand with the news that star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was fit to play.

The wily off-spinner, rated the best bowler ever by cricket bible Wisden, tore a thigh muscle during the recent one-day series in Australia and was considered doubtful for Monday’s key clash against the Kiwis.

But team physiotherapist Alex Kontouri declared Muralitharan fit to play after he took part in a warm-up match against Free State on Thursday.

The 30-year-old showed no signs of the injury as he conceded just 13 runs in eight overs for one wicket.

“He is as good as before,” Kontouri said. “Since it was the World Cup we were a bit cautious about how soon to play him.

“But he came out well on Thursday and I see no reason why he will not take the field on Monday.”—AFP