Muttiah Muralitharan: The Off-Spinner Who Took 800 Test Wickets
Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for most Test wickets (800) and ODI wickets (534). Learn about his controversial action, the doosra, and his extraordinary career with Sri Lanka.
Muttiah Muralitharan is the highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket with 800 wickets — 92 more than Shane Warne in second place. In ODIs he took 534 wickets, also a record. His career is remarkable not only for its statistical dominance but for the controversy it sparked over his bowling action.
Career statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Best figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 133 | 800 | 22.72 | 9/51 |
| ODIs | 350 | 534 | 23.08 | 7/30 |
| T20Is | 12 | 13 | 28.07 | 3/16 |
Controversy over his action
Muralitharan was called for throwing (an illegal bowling action) by Australian umpire Darrell Hair in 1995. The ICC cleared him after biomechanical studies showed his arm congenitally could not fully straighten — he had a bent arm from birth that appeared to straighten but did not exceed the legal 15° threshold. He was called again in Australia in 1999. Further ICC testing confirmed his action was legal. The controversy followed him throughout his career.
The doosra
Muralitharan developed the doosra — an off-spinner's delivery that turns in the opposite direction (away from a right-hander, like a leg-break). The doosra requires an unusual wrist position and was initially controversial because many bowlers who attempted it bent their arm beyond the legal limit. Murali's physical uniqueness allowed him to bowl it within the law.
800th Test wicket
Muralitharan took his 800th Test wicket in his final match — against India in Galle in July 2010. He retired after that match. The final wicket was Pragyan Ojha caught by Mahela Jayawardene. Murali bowled in obvious pain throughout the match — he retired having dismissed at least one batsman from every Test-playing nation.
Legacy
Muralitharan's international career made him Sri Lanka's most celebrated cricketer. He was named one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Century. His post-retirement philanthropic work in Sri Lanka includes support for the war-affected Tamil community. The boundary between sporting hero and national symbol became blurred with Murali — a Tamil from Kandy in a majority-Sinhalese country, who united Sri Lanka through cricket.
Frequently asked questions
How many Test wickets did Muralitharan take?
Muralitharan took 800 Test wickets in 133 matches at an average of 22.72 — the highest wicket tally in Test cricket history.
Was Muralitharan's bowling action legal?
Yes. ICC biomechanical testing confirmed Muralitharan's arm did not straighten beyond the legal 15° threshold. His congenital condition gave an illusion of bending that was not actually present.
What is the doosra in cricket?
The doosra is an off-spinner's delivery that turns in the opposite direction to the normal off-break — i.e., away from a right-handed batter. Muralitharan pioneered its use in Test cricket.