Muralitharan inks contract with Victoria

Sri Lanka Cricket BoardSri Lankan spinning maestro Muttiah Muralitharan has joined the Australian domestic club Victorian Bushrangers for the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash competition in the 2009-10.

Muaralitharan is second overseas player for the Victoria team. West Indies' all-rounder Dwayne Bravo had already signed contract with the Victoria for upcoming season.

Muralitharan said that he is thrilled to think about playing in front of the home crowd at the MCG cricket ground while playing for Victoria. He added that he is excited to play for Bushranger team and he would try his best to entertain Victorian and Australian fans.

Muralitharan holds the record of highest wicket taker in both ODI matches and test matches. Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis had already joined South Australia club for the Australian domestic season.

Victoria coach Greg Shipperd said that the spinning attack would be their main strength as they have Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Cameron White, Murali, Holland and McGain in their squad and Muralitharan would help other spinners in their team.

He added that he is concerned about developing players and Muralitharn would help them to develop players for the Australian domestic tournament which will last for 53 days.