Chennai, Nov 30: Ace spinner Muthiah Muralitharan has predicted that the three-Test series between Sri Lanka and India is going to be "one-on-one" and his side will strive hard to find success. The off-spinner with 563 wickets in 95 matches with an average of 22.15 said he was raring to go at the famous Chepauk pitch. 

"I have never played here before but the bowlers, especially the spinners on the two sides, will have an advantage," Muralitharan told reporters after the team's net practice for over two-and-a-half hours. "It is a big challenge for me and I have to prove myself against a formidable side like India." Asked whether it was going to be a Sachin Tendulkar-Murali clash, the world class bowler said "not only Sachin...India is a strong side having in its ranks players like Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly and Laxman. We will strive hard to get their wickets." 

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On the wicket, he said "it looks flat, taking spin on the second or third day itself and will provide bounce too." He termed test matches as "right part" of the game while ODIs are not and felt happy that they are playing a test match in India after eight years. On the competition between Shane Warne and himself, the Lankan said "Not really. I have been always aiming to take wickets to help my country win matches. I am hungry for wickets." (Our Correspondent)

Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2005