Celebrated writer Ayaz Memon pays tribute and recalls the very first time he watched master offie Muralitharan bowl

All cricketers must retire at some time. It is only the departure of a few that robs the game of its allure and leaves followers with a deep sense of regret. Muttiah Muralitharan, who plays his last Test beginning Sunday, is one such.

Not only is Murali the world's highest wicket taker in Testsu00a0-- which is good enough to merit him premium position in cricket's Hall of Fameu00a0-- he is also a truly great exponent of spin bowling. As the history of the game shows for so many players, these two attributes are not necessarily sequential.

True, his career has been laced with controversy over his unusual action, but this must be assessed within the legitimacy that the laws of the game provide. Allegations of chucking have been the ruin of quite a few bowlers in the past, and I can't think of anyone who has survived the stigma for any length of time.

Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan delivers a ball during a practice session at Galle on Saturday. PIC/AFP Read Next Story Lanka fear Viru factor in Galle Test› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT