Muralitharan could play in Second Test: Whatmore

London , May 20: Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan could play in the Second Test against England later this month according to Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore.

Muralitharan, 30, had been having treatment in Australia after suffering a dislocation and torn ligaments in his left shoulder during the Sharjah Cup final against Pakistan last month.

But he arrived in England on Saturday and watched from the pavilion balcony at Lord's as his team-mates fielded in the First Test yesterday.

The Second Test starts at Edgbaston on May 30 and Whatmore said Murali might take part. "I wouldn't rule Murali out," said Whatmore.

Asked if they had missed Muralitharan, Whatmore said: "You always miss a guy who's taken 412 Test wickets. "But he's certainly made it a bit noisier in the dressing room," Whatmore added after stumps on the fourth day at Lord's.

In a statement issued earlier yesterday, Sri Lanka tour manager Chandra Schaffter said: "He (Muralitharan) is in good spirits and looks forward to playing as soon as possible.

"He was wearing a sling and it was removed. His fitness will be assessed again in four days time."

After the Test series Sri Lanka are involved in a triangular one-day tournament also featuring England and India.

Muralitharan is one of the most effective bowlers currently in world cricket.

In 73 Tests his 412 wickets have come at an average of 23.38. He has taken five wickets in an innings 33 times and 10-wicket hauls in a match ten times.