Muralitharan happy to see Indian batsmen on attack

Colombo, August 29: Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan said he was confident of taking wickets once he saw the Indian batsmen trying to attack him in the third Test on Wednesday.

Muralitharan took eight for 87 to help bowl India out for 234 on the first day, his second best figures in Tests after his nine for 65 against England at the Oval three years ago.

"They were thinking about attacking me after lunch. I thought if they try to attack me I will get wickets, just keep the line and length," the bowler told reporters.

Muralitharan's record haul helped Sri Lanka bounce back after India, who elected to bat first, added 97 runs without losing a wicket until early into the afternoon session.

"India played positively, but I kept it cool. I knew if I got a wicket I can take one or two more," said the 29-year-old off-spinner who bowled an unchanged spell of 34.1 overs.

Muralitharan first tasted success in his 10th over when opener Shiv Sundar Das went for a big heave and was bowled leg-stump.

He said he felt tired but chose not to take a break after the tea interval as debutant Thilan Samaraweera, the second off-spinner, had proved ineffective.

"I was a little bit tired but the wickets kept coming and we needed someone to keep one end tight," Muralitharan added. "I was not supposed to bowl after tea, (fast bowler) Dilhara Fernando was to bowl, but I said I will bowl and keep it tight at one end."

Muralitharan said he rated his effort highly because Indian batsmen have a reputation for playing spin well.

"I got 9-65 in Oval. I think that was the best bowling I ever did. It was a good firm wicket. I managed to get eight wickets here and it is a great achievement for me."

Muralitharan felt the wickets of skipper Saurav Ganguly for one run and a well-set Rahul Dravid, who made 36, were crucial.

"Ganguly is a good player and Dravid is such a good player I thought if he had stayed he could have made a hundred," he said.