Shane Warne admits he is disappointed by Muttiah Muralitharan's decision not to tour Australia and has urged the Sri Lankan record-breaker not give in to his critics.
Murali, whose bowling action has drawn criticism from many in Australia including Prime Minister John Howard, earlier this week decided against travelling Down Under following controversy on previous tours to the country.
Murali was called for throwing by Australian umpires in 1995-96 and 1998-99.
That decision has denied the public the chance to see the two most successful spinners in Test history go head-to-head, and Warne, who has 517 Test wickets compared to Murali's world-record total of 527, feels that is a shame.
"I think it is the wrong decision not to tour," Warne said. "He has a lot of critics, particularly in Australia, but you can't afford to let the critics get to you.
"He should keep doing what he loves doing and that's playing cricket," said Warne, before adding that Murali's no-show was a blow for players and fans alike.
"I'm really disappointed that he has decided not to come to Australia," he said.
"It's disappointing for everyone, the players and the public. I suppose he will not tour a lot of countries now."