The Sri Lankan great began the first Test against India in Galle on 792 wickets, having announced that the match would be his last.
Sachin Tendulkar became wicket number 793 before rain washed out the second day. Murali then claimed five wickets on day four, leaving him two short of the historic milestone.
India’s resistance on the final day threatened to deny him. VVS Laxman battled alongside the lower order as the visitors chased a draw, but his run-out left Murali with one final opportunity.
Pragyan Ojha edged the ball to Mahela Jayawardene at slip, completing Murali’s journey to 800 and sealing Sri Lanka’s victory.
It was the 77th time Jayawardene had caught a batter off Murali’s bowling, a Test record for a bowler-fielder combination.
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Like New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee, Murali walked away from Test cricket having taken a wicket with his final ball.
Murali Retires With 800 Wickets!#OnThisDay in 2010, Muttiah Muralitharan finished with a wicket off the final ball of his Test career (Ojha c Jayawardene b Murali).
Murali finished with 800 Wickets, most by anyone in Tests.
Murali has also taken the most ODI Wicket: 534. pic.twitter.com/Jg765Kqu71— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) July 22, 2026
Photo: REUTERS/Andrew Caballero-Reynolds
