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Sri Lanka's ace spinner Muthiah Muralitharan has not only been devastating opposing teams in English cricket, but has turned out to be a very popular figure at Lancashire where he is representing the county.

``Murali has been a smash hit with the players and the 13,000 members of Lancashire. He is very popular,'' said Whatmore, who was responsible for signing up Muralitharan with Lancashire.

``Murali has enjoyed county cricket immensely. The standard of cricket he has played is fairly good. He has fitted into the Lancashire club better than I thought he would and, he is in terrific form,'' said Whatmore.

``I was keen to see Murali play county cricket because undoubtedly, the devastating effect it would have. If he was ever going to play cricket in England, I would rather have him on my side than play against him,'' he said.

In six matches for Lancashire, Muralitharan has taken 55 wickets in the county championships and his bowling has been described by 'Wisden Cricket Monthly' ``as the most devastating since the War''.