Knee injury to keep Muralitharan out

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Muralitharan, the world's leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, suffered a knee injury in practice and was removed from the Sri Lankan team only a couple of days before the first Test in Galle. Sri Lanka went on to secure a dramatic victory inside four days, only the third Test Sri Lanka have won without the services of the wily off-spinner.

"I have not yet recovered from the injury," Muralitharan told DNA. "I don't think it will happen before the second Test, so I won't be available."

Sri Lanka's selectors replaced Muralitharan with left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who was rushed in from England where he was playing in the Staffordshire League.

Herath turned in a Man-of-the-Match performance, claiming four second-innings wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 117 while chasing 168 for victory.

"It's a terrific win and a superb team performance," Muralitharan said.

"Herath's performance was particularly very good. He is an experienced bowler and I'm very happy he has done well.

"I didn't give him any advice. He is an experienced bowler and has been around for many years," he said.

The second Test starts in Colombo on July 12.