MUTTIAH Muralitharan makes Merlin the Magician look like a bender of plastic spoons.

Batsmen find it easier to read Tolstoy's War and Peace, than Muralitharan's mesmerising armoury.

In his eight innings preceding the current game at Southampton, he has taken 47 glorious wickets and re-ignited a sorry season.

It is not surprising, therefore, that the Lancashire committee would want him back for another season.

To me, though, it is surprising the county wants him back for another half season.

With South Africa's proposed tour to Sri Lanka next year, it is likely that Murali would be available only until this corresponding stage of the season.

He would probably play around 10 championship games, but miss the national league run-in and any crucial promotion or relegation issues in the championship.

Remember he has single-handedly put Lancashire into a position of having a chance of being able to start next season in the new top flight of first class cricket.

Before his arrival, Lancashire appeared dispirited and low in confidence.

So imagine the effect of his departure next year if, from a position of challenging for honours, the season freefalls into mediocrity.

Other counties face a similar dilemma, of course.

And early indications from Warwickshire are that Allan Donald would only be allowed to return should he be released from South African duties for that same tour. For Lancashire, there are strong financial considerations. The county is not cash rich following the redevelopment of the ground, a factor which is hampering current contract negotiations with Andrew Flintoff.

So a part-time overseas player, however effective and charming, is also the more sensible option for those controlling the Old Trafford coffers.

It would seem, therefore, that other available superstars such as Shane Warne or Shoaib Akhtar, who would cost around twice as much as Muralitharan at around £100,000, are out of the question.

That should not, however, stop Lancashire from exploring other avenues.

The likes of Vasbert Drakes at Nottinghamshire and Jamie Cox at Somerset have proved that you do not need to be a world beater to be effective in county cricket.

Other Test stars, such as Australian leg spinner Stuart MacGill, would provide the class without the mid-season deflation.

But I am not convinced that Lancashire need an overseas spinner.

This can only obstruct the development of one of the jewels in their crown, Chris Schofield.

His opportunities, already limited, would be further obstructed prompting an inevitable search for pastures new.

And, in any case, Edward Scissorhands could turn a billiard ball square on Old Trafford at the moment.

On these kind of result wickets maybe there is a need to invest in greater consistency in their batting, and a degree of continuity throughout the season.

Neil Bramwell is the Sports Editor

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