Muttiah, Tendulkar to shine for the last time

records will stand unchallenged for eternity.
Muttiah Muralitharan and Sachin Tendulkar meet for the last time today in a compelling sub-plot to the Cricket World Cup final.
Sri Lanka have Murali, the dancing-eyed, rubber-armed magician who has taken a remarkable total of 1 334 international wickets.
India have Sachin, the little master whose vast aggregates of 32 785 runs and 99 centuries prompt many here to worship him as though he really is a god.
It is impossible to understand the celebrity of Murali in Sri Lanka or Tendulkar in India until you actually visit the countries.
They stare from billboards, swamp TV coverage and spawn millions of copycats.
Murali (38) retires from international cricket after this match – although he will play in the Indian Premier League and this summer for Gloucestershire in Twenty20 cricket.
Tendulkar (37) is one century away from 100 for his country.
Who would bet against him reaching the unparalleled landmark in the World Cup final in front of his adoring Mumbai public?
Murali is expected to play despite thigh and knee injuries. His best friend is former captain and genius batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who has spent most of his career standing at slip to Murali.
Jayawardene said: “Everyone can see what Murali has achieved on the field. But I would like to admire the person off the field.
“When I joined the team, he was the first one who took me out for a meal. I didn’t know him at all but he was so friendly.
“He has always done that. He is the first to take out a new player for a meal and a chat. That’s Murali for you.
“And the annoying part is that he is probably the friendliest guy with opponents, too. Ask the English boys, the Indian boys, he will be the first to have a chat with them.”
All the controversy about Murali’s action – he was called for throwing in Australia several times early in his career – has never diminished his love for cricket or the respect in which he is held by team-mates and opponents.
Murali insisted: “Whether I get five wickets or go for 60 runs, I don’t care as long as I enjoy myself. If you have fun, the results will come.”
Tendulkar’s deification is greater even than Murali’s because India has a population of more than one billion. His fame exceeds any sportsman, any Bollywood star.
In a career of more than 20 years – he was a cherubic 16-year-old when he first played for India – Tendulkar has emerged virtually untainted by controversy.
Cherish him on India’s tour of England this year because you might not see him again.
India’s hard-bitten South African coach Gary Kirsten said: “It has been an honour and privilege to share the same dressing room as Sachin.
“There’s nothing to teach him. In fact, I have learned a lot myself just watching him prepare. He is my hero.”
Head-to-head
MURALITHARAN
BORN: Kandy, Apr 17, 1972 (Age 38)
TEST RECORD
Caps 133, Wkts 800 (world record), Avge 22.72, 5-wkt inns 67, 10-wkt matches 22
ONE-DAY INTERNATIONALS
Caps 349, Wickets 543 (world record), Avge 23.00, Econ rate 3.92 runs/over
A birth defect means Murali has an 11-degree kink at the elbow.
He was called for throwing and cynics claim cricket’s laws on flexing the arm were changed to accommodate him.
Murali has a charity called Foundation for Goodness.
His father ran a biscuit-making firm. His grandfather lived to the age of 104.
Bowled Muralitharan is the most common entry (157 times) in Test scorebooks – apart from run out.
TENDULKAR
BORN: Bombay, Apr 24, 1973 (Age 37)
TEST RECORD
Caps 177, Runs 14,692 (world record), Avge 56.94, 100s 51, 50s 59
ONE-DAY INTERNATIONALS
Caps 452, Runs 18,093 (world record), Avge 45.23, SR 86.29, 100s 48, 50s 95
Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman ever, said Tendulkar was the player who most reminded him of himself.
He is the only batsman to make a double-century in a one-dayer – 200 not out v South Africa in 2010.
Tendulkar has worn a wig, false beard, hat and sunglasses in the hope of avoiding detection in India.
He owns a property in London – close to Lord’s – which he frequently uses as a retreat. – The Sun.