5 bravest players in cricket history

#4 Arjuna Ranatunga stands up for Muralitharan

Ranatunga standing up for Murali

It's no secret that Muttiah Muralitharan wasn't well received by the Aussie crowds during Sri Lanka's tour of Australia in 1999. In a One Day International against England at the Adelaide Oval, Australian Umpire Ross Emerson wasn't convinced with Murali's bowling action, and proceeded to call no-ball on his delivery. This led to the game being halted for 12 minutes, with Sri-Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga threatening to leave the field along with the entire team.

Sri Lankan officials contacted Colombo and the decision was made for the team to return back to the field. Ranatunga proceeded to bring Murali from the other end this time, to save him from Emerson's criticism. Later on in the match, Alec Stewart sledged Ranatunga for his actions against the authority. Sri Lanka went on to chase the mammoth target of 303, with Murali stealing a single to secure the win for his team. He went on to become one of the greatest spinners of all time, thanks to Ranatunga, who fought against the authority on that fateful day, and stood up for Murali.