Success 800 Times

Matches : 133

Balls: 44039

Wickets: 800

Had I written this blog anytime before 22-Jul-2010, my data would have been obsolete as Murali's numbers were increasing exponentially every now and then.

On 22 Jul, 2010, this veteran of Sri Lanakan Cricket was battling hard to break the last partnership of India between Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma. The partnership which lasted more than 15 overs was the 800th victim for our 'Master Of Off Spin' 'Muttiah Muralitharan'.

Before this match at Galle, The veteran had announced that this would be his last test match of his career needing 8 wickets to reach the historic number 800. If this is not confidence then I don't know what it is.

He could have ended his career wicket less on that test. Who knows!

But that would not be the fitting end to the magnificent story of Murali who fought many controversies and bans due to his unorthodox bowling action. He established the ball which turns the wrong way 'Doosra', even though the credit of inventing it should go to Pakistan's Saqlain Mushtaq.

He hit the bull's eye achieving the magical number. When 799 was achieved and when the last wicket was showing resistance to Murali, the Lankan captain cut Murali's spell and went in for Herath and Malinga. Many of us thought Murali would end like Sir Bradman's unrounded figures (batting average: 99.9). But Murali's dexterous wrist finally overcame the last hurdle with much effort after he was brought again into action.

If this single wicket caused his much sweat, what would have the other 799 caused him?

He was immediately congratulated by a another spin master in Twitter.

"Congrats to Murali on his 800th wicket and a wonderful career !!! Well done buddy awesome.."

The master is none other than the second highest wicket taker, 'Master Of Leg Spin' 'Shane Warne'.

Matches : 145

Balls: 40705

Wickets: 708

The veteran who rediscovered the ebbing art of leg spin. He might have played more matches than Murali but has bowled lesser deliveries compared to him. Thanks to strong pace bowling which the Aussies had. Amidst the strong pace bowlers lived this deadly weapon.

Being a leg spinner myself, I have admired Shane more than many. I learnt my leg spin when Shane Warne demonstrated how to bowl in TV long ago. My grip has changed in years since my Cricket coach in School 'Mr. Charles' wanted me use the orthodox grip for the act.

Vicious Spin with guile to deceive batsmen are the prowling deliveries of these masters of spin. The Sri Lankan and Aussie board have done the right thing by calling the Test Tournaments between them as 'Warne-Muralitharan Trophy'

Here is my favorite delivery from Murali and Warne.

Murali:

Warne: