Trophy honour for Murali and Warne

Spin bowling greats Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan have been honoured by having a trophy named after them which will be played for in Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka.

The creation of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy, immortalising the two most prolific wicket-takers in Test history, marks the 25th anniversary of cricket competition between the two nations.

Hampshire skipper Warne feels proud to be sharing the accolade with his fellow spin king, saying: "The rivalry between Australia and Sri Lanka has grown immeasurably over the last decade and I know my former Australian team-mates will be super keen to be the first country to win the trophy when they do battle this November."

He added: "Personally, Sri Lanka means something special to me. It was where I first achieved success as a Test bowler and it also moved me when I saw the courage with which the people of Sri Lanka responded to the tragic Tsunami during my visit there immediately afterwards."

Muralitharan, who is in Australia with the Sri Lanka squad ahead of the first Test against Australia which begins on Thursday, also had words of praise for Warne.

"I have enormous respect for Shane Warne and I consider it a great honour to have a trophy named after both of us," Muralitharan said.

"Australia also gave me one of my most memorable moments when I played at the MCG in the Tsunami fundraiser. The coming Test series is a great opportunity for our team against Australia and I'm looking forward to bowling in Australia again."

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland believes it is a fitting tribute to two players who have left an indelible mark on world cricket.

"Both Shane and Muttiah have broken the 700-wicket barrier and inspired young cricketers around the world to try their hands at spin bowling," Sutherland said.

"We think it's a fitting tribute to both players by naming the perpetual Australia versus Sri Lanka Test Series trophy after them. We see the inception of this trophy as yet another step in celebrating the wonderful history between both nations while continuing to build its stature in the years to come."