Cricket: Muralitharan all-clear

LANCASHIRE HAVE been given the go-ahead to use the Sri Lanka leg spinner Muttiah Muralitharan as their overseas player this summer. The Sri Lankan Cricket Board have faxed Lancashire to say they have no objections to the player, who was again the subject of controversy over his bowling action, playing county cricket after their World Cup bid is over.

However they want Muralitharan back in Sri Lanka in time for their Test series against Australia in early September. Lancashire signed him last September after his 16-wicket haul against England at The Oval, but had to wait for Sri Lanka's consent.

At one time there was a suggestion Sri Lanka might demand he rest after their campaign to retain the World Cup. Meanwhile, Scotland have appointed the former England fast bowler Graham Dilley, 39, as their bowling coach for the forthcoming World Cup to assist the director of cricket Jim Love.