Legendary off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who was at the centre of a heated controversy ahead of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia has reportedly stepped down from his spin-bowling consultant post, thus ending the spat that cropped up between Sri Lanka Cricket and him.
The Sri Lankan legend who is Test cricket's highest wicket-taker with 800 scalps, was employed by Cricket Australia to assist their spinners and help them prepare for the Test series.
This did not go down well with SLC who accused him off berating the team manager and conducting a centre-wicket training session at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium without permission.
Cricket Australia on their part have confirmed that Muralitharan is no longer the Australian bowling consultant.
In a statement, they said -
“
We can confirm we received an email from Sri Lanka Cricket and after discussions between the two management teams we consider the matter to be resolved. Murali's work as a spin-bowling consultant ended on the eve of the Test, as he did not want to be seen in Australia's dressing room during the series.
”
This had been his second stint working with the Australian side.
It's unclear whether he will do so again.