WHAT a joy it was to meet Muttiah Muralitharan - a genuine cricket man.

“I started playing in my village with a tennis ball,” he explained.

“My heroes were the best village players - I had limited access to modern media - the world’s game was something far distant.”

How different it is now - a true superstar in all versions of the game, Murali remains a Sri Lankan cricketer, loving the game, proud of what he has achieved and anxious to enjoy a final two years in the game.

He brings enthusiasm to Gloucestershire, a fine work ethic and a desire to win.

“I am anxious to help the promising young players here,” he said.

Murali knows Gloucestershire cricket. He remembered, cheerfully, 20/20 Finals Day at Edgbaston four years ago. He was playing for Lancashire, drawn against Gloucestershire in the first semi-final.

“We had a great side - Freddie Flintoff, Dominic Cork, Stuart Law and myself. All our bowlers were internationals - yet Gloucestershire pushed us aside,” he said.

“When Craig Spearman reverse swept me twice in my first over I knew we were in trouble.”

Former Lancashire and England player Neil Fairbrother looks after Murali’s affairs.

“When Neil said Gloucestershire were interested, I was delighted,” said Murali.

“I knew I could be part of exciting things happening here.”

And so he will be. If the Sri Lankan management ask him to play Test cricket again, they will be politely refused.

“International cricket has dominated the last 20 years of my life - I am ready for new challenges now,” he said.

These are Glos, the IPL and Wellington in New Zealand.

He is loving Bristol, being delighted with the city centre apartment Lizzie Allen has found for him.

I could not complete my final question to the great man.

I said: “Our overseas players have been splendid. Mike Proctor, Courtney Walsh . . .”

I got no further. At the mention of Courtney, Murali’s eyes lit up.

“Courtney! Courtney!” he exclaimed.

“To bowl that much - so well - for so long - what an example to everyone.”

I think we have signed another.