18 years, 133 tests, 67 five fors (next best Shane Warne with 37), ten wickets in a match 22 times (next best Warne with 10) and now a nice round 800 wickets (next best Warne with 708) to finish with. Those are impressive and probably never to be beaten numbers.
As we wrote a couple of weeks ago, Muttiah Muralitharan's skill as a bowler is matched by his decency as a human being. This was shown in the starkest terms by the way in which Murali tirelessly strove to help rebuild his shattered country after the devastating tsunami of 2004.
It is entirely fitting that Murali should bow out from tests at his favourite hunting ground of Galle and by taking the last Indian wicket available reach that magical figure of 800. No Bradman like anti-climax for this all-time great.
Some will make references to his action, but for us it is nice to see for a change someone who really deserves it getting something good in life. Well done Murali on a fantastic feat and a wonderful career.
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