Magic man Murali bows out in style
SPIN king Muttiah Muralitharan enjoyed a dream farewell to Test cricket in Galle yesterday after claiming his 800th wicket with the very last ball of his career.
The Sri Lankan rewrote the history books when he had Indian tail-ender Pragyan Ojha caught by Mahela Jayawardene at slip for his milestone wicket, while helping his country to a ten-wicket success in the first Test.
As is traditional, the 38-year-old was hoisted aloft by team-mates and carried shoulder-high around the field to fireworks and rapturous applause.
Ojha’s wicket gave Muralitharan figures of 3-128 and ensured he claimed the eight wickets needed to reach the magical 800 in his final match.
“Galle is my favourite ground and this is the opportunity I was waiting for to win this match and finish it nicely,” said Murali, who made his Test debut in 1992.
Showing gratitude to his family, team-mates, officials and president Mahinda Rajapaksa, he added tearfully: “Thank you supporting me all through these 19 years.”
Despite his glorious send-off, it isn’t yet the end for Murali, who has still made himself available for the shorter forms of the game.
LEADING TEST WICKET TAKERS
Tests Wickets
Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) 133 800
Shane Warne (Aus) 145 708
Anil Kumble (Ind) 132 619
Glenn McGrath (Aus) 124 563
Courtney Walsh (WI) 132 519