Windies axe stars from squad Itinerary: WI in Sri Lanka

The Windies will be without Lara - and other high-profile players like Chris Gayle - because of a sponsorship row.

"Bowling to Brian is always a big challenge," said Murali, who is set to play his first Test for 11 months after shoulder injury.

"Unfortunately he is not in this squad as they have got internal problems."

The second-string West Indies side play two Tests starting in Colombo on 13 July before taking part in a triangular one-day series also involving India.

Lara was the lone batsman to tame Muralitharan in his own backyard when the Windies toured Sri Lanka in 2001, scoring 688 runs in three Tests with three centuries.

"He batted extremely well against me when they were here last time, but dont forget we still completed a 3-0 sweep," said Muralitharan, who took 24 wickets in the series.

The Sri Lankan is the second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 532 scalps in 91 matches, behind Aussie leg-spinner Shane Warne (583 wickets).

Murali is looking forward to playing his first Test series in nearly a year, saying he was in good form after taking 36 championship wickets at an average of 15 for Lancashire.

"I have not played a Test for almost a year now and I am looking forward to the challenge," he said.

"I did well for Lancashire, getting plenty of wickets in the county championship and one-day matches.

"They want me to come back again and play for more seasons, but we have to see how it goes."

Lara retained hope that he would play some part in the Test series, despite opinions to the contrary from West Indian officials, and vowed to prepare properly.

"I am really looking forward to playing in Sri Lanka and the players must keep themselves fit hoping things will work out," he said.

Windies skipper Shivnarine Chanderpaul was also hopeful of being able to call on his star batsman.

"Negotiations are still on and I sincerely hope that things will be settled," he said.