By my interpretation, I think he throws it Former Australia batsman Dean Jones Murali 'to keep on bowling'

Muralitharan is at the centre of the latest dispute over his action, which came under the spotlight recently when his new 'doosra' ball was reported.

It is expected that biomechanical research conducted in Australia will show the delivery to be illegal.

But Buchanan said: "I think we should look at Muralitharan and look at what we can learn from him."

Murali has been allowed to continue bowling his other deliveries while the International Cricket Council (ICC) continues its investigation into his action.

It was during Australia's recent tour of Sri Lanka that Murali was called for throwing.

But Buchanan called for leniency, hailing the off-spinner as a model for aspiring young cricketers.

Part of the way forward is to recognise the innovative and creative things players like Murali do John Buchanan

"My view on Murali is much the same as a lot of other people - I think the ICC made their decision on him some time ago," said Buchanan, in reference to Muralitharan's action being cleared in the past.

"Personally, with his new delivery, I'm not sure it's significantly different to what he's done before.

"Let's look at how he uses his wrist and fingers to spin the ball the way he does instead of being so quick to jump on him.

"Part of the way forward in this game is to recognise the innovative and creative things players like Murali and Shane Warne and even Adam Gilchrist do when he's batting, and work out how to use them in the future.

"Murali and Shane are probably the two best spinners the game has ever seen.

"Why wouldn't we want to study them and take from them what we can?"

Former Australia Test batsman Dean Jones believes it is wrong to let Murali, who is in a race with Warne to break Cortney Walsh's all-time Test wicket-taking record, continue bowling.

"By my interpretation, I think he throws it," Jones said.

"That's nothing against him personally or nothing against Sri Lanka, but we've got to do something about it and do something quick."