Even before Sri Lanka's cricket series against Australia gets underway later this week, spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan has encountered first sledging remarks from local fans and passers-by on the streets of Adelaide.
"Some people have just asked for autographs and have been nice, but there have been one or two people who have shouted 'chucker' in the street and during the game in Adelaide," he said.
"They are just younger guys, and I don't really pay much attention to it," he was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.
Muralitharan, however, said he was satisfied with the preventative measures taken by the Cricket Australia for the two-Test series and was hopeful that it would be devoid of the unpleasantness of past years.
"I don't care if people say things to me during games, but it is a problem if they are throwing things. I met some of their (CA's) security people and I am happy with what they told me. Hopefully, it will be a good series," he added.
Muralitharan, who requires nine wickets to surpass the Test wickets record held by Shane Warne, admitted to nerves ahead of the series but not on account of safety concerns.
{{/usCountry}}Muralitharan, who requires nine wickets to surpass the Test wickets record held by Shane Warne, admitted to nerves ahead of the series but not on account of safety concerns.
{{/usCountry}}"It is going to be a big challenge, because the wickets are fresh and they are not suited to spin," he said adding that "Australia's batsmen are very good, so it will be difficult."