Muttiah Muralitharan: Cricket's Greatest Wicket-Taker
Muttiah Muralitharan's career — 800 Test wickets, his unique bowling action, controversies, and why the Sri Lankan spinner is statistically the greatest bowler ever.
Muttiah Muralitharan, known universally as 'Murali', is the highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket. The Sri Lankan off-spinner retired in 2010 with 800 Test wickets — a record that many believe will never be broken. He also took 534 ODI wickets, making him the most prolific wicket-taker in international cricket across all formats combined.
The Numbers
| Format | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 800 | 22.72 | 55.0 |
| ODIs | 534 | 23.08 | 38.5 |
The Bowling Action Controversy
Muralitharan's bowling action was repeatedly questioned throughout his career, with some commentators and boards accusing him of throwing — illegally straightening his arm through delivery. Biomechanical studies at the University of Western Australia, however, confirmed that his unusual hyper-mobile elbow joint created the optical illusion of throwing while remaining within the laws. The ICC cleared him multiple times.
The Doosra
Muralitharan popularised the doosra — an off-spinner's delivery that turns the opposite way to the standard off-break, like a leg-spinner's googly. The doosra was devastating because it emerged from the same action as his off-break, giving batters no visual cue. He used it to dismiss right-handers through the gate or trap them LBW.
800th Wicket — A Fairytale Finish
Muralitharan's 800th Test wicket was one of sport's most perfectly scripted moments. Needing one wicket in his final Test (against India in Galle, 2010), he trapped Pragyan Ojha LBW off the last ball of an over. The crowd erupted and Muralitharan fell to his knees in tears — a farewell that could not have been scripted more dramatically.
Murali vs Warne
The debate between Muralitharan and Shane Warne as the greatest spinner — and greatest bowler — of all time is perpetual. Muralitharan has the superior numbers and average; Warne's defenders argue his wickets came in more challenging conditions against stronger batting line-ups. Both revolutionised spin bowling in their own right.
Frequently asked questions
How many Test wickets did Muralitharan take?
Muttiah Muralitharan took 800 Test wickets — the most in Test cricket history — at an average of 22.72.
Was Muralitharan's bowling action legal?
Yes. Multiple ICC investigations and independent biomechanical studies confirmed that his unusual arm position was due to a natural hyper-mobile elbow joint, not an illegal throwing action.
What is the doosra in cricket?
The doosra is an off-spinner's delivery that turns the opposite direction to a standard off-break — away from a right-handed batter rather than into them. Muralitharan was its most famous exponent.