Muralidharan Bags His 800th Victim

GALLE, SRI LANKA (GaeaTimes.com)- Muttiah Muralidharan became the first man to have 800 scalps in test cricket as Sri Lanka defeated India in the first test at Galle. Pragyan Ojha became the 800th victim of the spinning maestro after a dogged attempt by the Indian lower order. Wasim Akram and Shane Warne, the only other bowlers who are close to such magnanimous figures have said that the feat of Muttiah Muralidharan is almost unachievable.

The 800 wickets in Test is a feat that most feel can never be achieved again considering the reduction in the number of test matches being played these days. Players from all over the world have congratulated the humble Sri Lankan off-spinner. Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram said that he has never seen a bowler like Muttiah Muralidharan and thinks he never will in the future as well. He added that the wickets not only reflect the genius of Muttiah Muralidharan’s spin bowling but also the discipline and passion of the man. South African skipper Graeme Smith tweeted his congratulations to the Sri Lankan legend, he however added in a subsequent tweet that he was glad he will not have to face him in the future in test. Muttiah Muralidharan has announced his retirement from test just before the match against India at Galle.

Another spin legend, Shane Warne also expressed his happiness at the achievement of Muttiah Muralidharan. He relived the fierce competition between the two legends. He said that they kept an eye on each other’s records and always tried to outdo each other in the games they played together.