MUMBAI – Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is hopeful Muttiah Muralitharan will feature in Saturday’s World Cup final and admitted that the veteran off-spinner was feeling upbeat in the dressing room.
Muralitharan, the world’s leading Test and one-day bowler, who turns 39 this month, has been struggling with hamstring and knee injuries and has been rated as a doubt for the final against India, his last match before retirement.
“Murali’s presence is always important. He’s a big-match player, he’s been amazing for us, so hopefully if he is fit he will take the field,” Sangakkara said.
“Everyone understands it is hard to shut Murali up, whatever his mood is. He’s pretty upbeat, he’s always talking, laughing and annoying most of the other players in the dressing room. Today has been no different.
“It is great to have him in the side, great to hopefully have him tomorrow and play this World Cup final with us. Whatever happens, we want to play for him and play for each other and do the best we can do.”
