The Australian Big Bash League has received a welcome boost following the news that Shane Warne will not be returning for the third edition with the announcement that leading Test wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan has confirmed his participation.
The 41-year-old Sri Lankan spin maestro has re-signed for the Melbourne Renegades, who also unveiled Test quicks Peter Siddle and James Pattinson as part of their team when the Big Bash League gets underway in December.
Muralitharan was the Renegades’ leading bowler last season in the Twenty20 competition, and will partner leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed, who is currently playing for Australia A.
The Sri Lankan, who finished his Test career with a record 800 wickets, will not, however, be facing old rival Warne after the Australian legend announced his retirement from the game on Monday.
“Murali is still going strong and was our leading bowler last season with 11 wickets,” said Renegades chief Stuart Coventry. “When you have someone like him going for less than six runs an over you expect he’ll play a key role again.”
Siddle is set to play for the Renegades following the conclusion of the fifth Ashes Test, but there were question marks over Pattinson, who on Monday was ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes with a stress fracture in his back.
Cricket Australia said he would undergo a rehabilitation programme with the aim to have him back for the Australian summer.
“I want to get back into playing short-form cricket,” said Siddle. “To have that opportunity again in four over bursts, having a crack and getting the pace up there … I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”
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