Decision on Murali's Australia tour soon

Colombo:

Sri Lanka's cricket board today said Muthiah Muralitharan's chances of touring Australia in the upcoming two-Test series were "50-50". The offspinner's tour for the Test series beginning July 1 came under controversy, after Australian Prime Minister John Howard reportedly offended the bowler by calling him a "chucker" -- a term used to describe bowling with a bent arm. Board discussions "We are still discussing the issue and no final decision has been taken," Sri Lankan Cricket chief Duleep Mendis, told reporters after a board meeting late Monday. The decision is expected later this week. Mendis added the Sri Lankan Cricket Board was also consulting with the International Cricket Council over the issue. He did not elaborate. Other cricket officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the chances of Muralitharan going to Australia were good. (AP)