Sydney, Nov.3 : Cricket Australia has announced the introduction of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy for the Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka starting next Thursday.

"The two greatest bowlers in world cricket history with more than 1400 Test wickets between them have lent their names to the (trophy), a perpetual prize that will be played for in Test Series between Australia and Sri Lanka," Cricket Australia said.

"The announcement celebrates the 25th anniversary of Australia-Sri Lanka Test cricket, with the silver trophy featuring casts of Warne and (Muralitharan's) right hands and match-used cricket balls bowled by both players during their careers."

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said: "We think it's a fitting tribute to both players by naming the perpetual Australia versus Sri Lanka Test Series trophy after them."

Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Duleep Mendis added: "We are proud of the rivalry between our nation and Australia and think this trophy will help add to the sense of occasion every time we do battle."

Warne, who has made remarks about Murali taking "cheap" wickets against struggling Test nations like Bangladesh, welcomed the announcement.

"We've had some great battles in the past and helped raise each other's game to the heights that we've reached," Warne said.

"The rivalry between Australia and Sri Lanka has grown immeasurably over the last decade and I know my former Australian team mates will be super keen to be the first country to win the trophy when they do battle this November.

"Personally, Sri Lanka means something special to me. It was where I first achieved success as a Test bowler and it also moved me when I saw the courage with which the people of Sri Lanka responded to the tragic Tsunami during my visit there immediately afterwards," news.com.au quoted Warne, as saying.

Murali said he had enormous respect for Warne.

"I consider it a great honour to have a trophy named after both of us," he said.

"Australia also gave me one of my most memorable moments when I played at the MCG in the Tsunami fundraiser (in January 2005)."

The first Test starts in Brisbane on Thursday and the second Test is in Hobart from November 16-20, where Warne and Murali will unveil the trophy. (ANI)