Vaughan puts mastering Murali top of the agenda

England's captain, Michael Vaughan, admitted yesterday that the unique challenge of Muttiah Muralitharan had been uppermost in their minds as they planned for the first Test against Sri Lanka, which was due to start here early this morning.Vaughan said: "He didn't totally dominate our preparation because that would be disrespectful to the rest of their team. The likes of Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas and Dilharo Fernando are very, very good bowlers and unorthodox in their own way.Article continues"But it would be stupid if we didn't put Murali at the forefront of our minds. The teams that come over here and are successful are those who play Murali well and that is what we will have to do."Murali needs five more wickets on his home ground to become the most prolific bowler in Test history. But Vaughan said it is up to each batsman to work out the best way to play him."Every batsman has to play him in his own individual fashion. Read more...