This Day That Year: Muttiah Muralitharan Becomes First Bowler to Take 800 Test Wickets

Several batsmen from all over the world got a huge sigh of relief on this day (July 22) in 2010 as Muttiah Muralitharan walked off the field for the final time in Test cricket. However, the legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner didn’t fail to impress even in his last game in whites. Murali’s final Test outing was against India and the venue was the Galle International Stadium. The off-spinner required 8 wickets to become the first bowler to take 800 Test wickets. However, it was nothing less than a jolting task as he was up against the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Muttiah Muralitharan Special: 9/65 Against England and Other Top Bowling Performances by Legendary Sri Lankan Off-Spinner.

Kumar Sangakkara, the then Lankan captain, won the toss and elected to bat first. The track looked ideal for batting the home side declared at 520-8 thanks to centuries from Tharanga Paranavitana and skipper Sangakkara. However, the nature of the track looked completely different when the visitors came on to bat. After a decent start, Murali gave a huge set back to India by dismissing Sachin Tendulkar for 8. He also scalps the wickets of Indian skipper MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh and registered a five-wicket haul. Ravichandran Ashwin Equals Muttiah Muralitharan’s THIS Record.

ICC Remembers The Day!!

Courtesy his efforts, India were bundled out for just 276 runs and were forced to follow on. Although, the Indian batsmen put up a better show in their second innings, Murali’s magic again came into play. He dismissed Yuvraj Singh for just five runs as Sri Lanka were well placed on the driver’s seat.

The talismanic off-spinner had to take the final wicket of the Indian innings in order to complete 800 Test wickets. However, Lasith Malinga was breathing fire with the ball at other end and it seemed like Muralitharan will not be able to able to achieve the milestone.

However, he was destined to get it as he dismissed Pragyan Ojha and added another feather to his already illustrious hat. The scenes in Galle were unmissable as the Lankan players were ecstatic and emotional at the same time. Muralitharan got a guard of honour as he brought curtains to a sensational career.

Sri Lanka were asked to chase 96 runs in the last innings which they did inside 15 overs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2020 01:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).