Muralitharan joining Australia camp a non-issue, says Mathews

Melbourne, July 25 (ANI): Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has refused to be drawn into the row over spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan's decision to join Australia's coaching staff in the three-Test series against the Steve Smith-led side starting on Tuesday in Pallekele. Muralitharan, the world's highest wicket taker in Test cricket, came under heavy scrutiny on social media for his decision to join the rival camp as a consultant spin bowling coach, with the Sri Lankan press branding him as a 'traitor'. According to a leading Sri Lanka cricket scribe, the 44-year-old' decision to work against his home country has caused 'much murmur within the Sri Lankan cricket team and in cricket circles'. However, Mathews said on the eve of the opening Test that he had no problem with his former teammate over his decision to help Australian spinners, adding that Muralitharan was entitled to take up job with any team in the world, news.com.au reported. The Sri Lankan captain also stated his side could also avail the services of spin legend Muralitharan in the future. Muralitharan had previously worked with Australia as a short-term consultant during the series against Pakistan in the UAE two years ago. (ANI)