Speaking at a press event, organised by Sri Lankan Airways in Mumbai to promote tourism between Sri Lanka and India and launch special holiday packages for Indian tourists wanting to visit the island nation during India’s cricket tour next month, Ranatunga, chairman of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, said, “I hope Murali will get 1,000 [Test] wickets and that is a short term plan.

He looks very fit and he trains very hard. I hope that he can continue for at least another three-four years. He never talks about retirement; I mean, he is just unbelievable and hope he can get 1,000 wickets.”

Ranatunga believes that getting an opportunity to witness Sachin Tendulkar breaking Brian Lara’s world record for all-time runs scored in Tests should be a big incentive for Indian fans to make the trip.

Tendulkar is 171 runs behind Lara’s aggregate of 11,953 runs and will get a chance to surpass the former West Indies batsmen during India’s three Test series in Sri Lanka. Ranatunga is of the opinion that the master batsman still has a few more years left in him.

“If I was the chairman of selectors I would handle Sachin in a very

different way, like what we are doing with Murali. If properly looked after, I think, Sachin can play till the 2011 World Cup. You should not really strain him, especially in the one-day arena. His commitment is huge, and if properly protected I am sure he can go up to the next World Cup.”

Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, says the much hyped duel between Tendulkar and Muralitharan will add spice to the contest. “The Test series will be something to watch, because there will be two great cricketers playing: Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan.

courtesy - Daily News / REDIFF news