Firecrackers went off in the stadium as Muttiah Muralitharan [ Images ] stepped out to bat in his swansong Test and players from both India [ Images ] and Sri Lanka [ Images ] also did their bit to make the spin wizard's farewell match a memorable affair.
The rain-marred match has risen in profile as it is Muralitharan's final Test at the end of which, he would bid adieu to his 18-year-old career.
The weathergods dampened the atmosphere on the first two days but when Muralitharan finally got a chance to come on the field to bat, firecrackers went off in the stadium to salute the veteran off-spinner.
The emotional quotient rose further when the visiting Indian players, in a touching gesture, formed a guard of honour as Muralitharan stepped out, a rare sight for a number 10 batsman.
Muralitharan also got pats on his back from the Indians, ho tried to make the occasion special for the Lankan, just eight shy of touching the 800-wicket mark.
The warmth did not end at that and when the Indian innings began, it was the Sri Lankans who formed a guard of honour for their legendary teammate after stepping out to field.
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