Murali’s 800th wicket

A fitting end to an amazing journey. Muttiah Muralitharan the greatest bowler to spin a cricket ball reaches a record breaking 800 wickets in his last ever test game. The Tamil cricketer from Kandy, Sri Lanka, will continue to represent Sri Lanka in one day international matches until the World Cup in 2011, when he plans to officially retire.

Born in Sri Lanka in 1972 to Tamil parents, Murali as he is affectionately known by his fans across the globe, is the only Tamil of Indian origin to represent Sri Lanka internationally. Married to Madhimalar Ramamurthy, they have a son named Naren. He has become an icon in the war ravaged, ethnically divided Island of Sri Lanka, not just for his cricketing ability but for his humanitarian work during the 2004 tsunami.

There has also been controversy surrounding Murali. He was accused of being a ‘chucker’, but was cleared by the ICC (International Cricket Council) in 1996 & 1999, as tests proved that 99% of all bowlers exceed the elbow flexion limits.  The ICC later revised the limits, with Murali falling within.

Murali started his international cricketing career back in 1991 after playing for Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club. In the space of 19 years, he has become the highest wicket-taker in both Test cricket and in One Day Internationals.

Thamarai.com wishes the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan the very best for the future.