Warne breaks world record

Spinner Shane Warne has reclaimed the world record for number of Test wickets

Australia’s Shane Warne has become the all-time leading wicket-taker in Test cricket during the second Test against India in Chennai.

Warne achieved the feat when he had Irfan Pathan caught at slip by Matthew Hayden for 14 to leave the home side on 83 for two.

The Indian nightwatchman was the leg-spinner’s 533rd victim and he overtook Muttiah Muralitharan whose record he equalled on Thursday.

Warne achieved the feat in his 114th Test match – 23 more than the Sri Lankan who is out injured at the moment.

Warne’s coach Terry Jenner, who is employed by the ECB to lead the search for an English equivalent, said: “I think the highlight for us in the spin bowlers’ union is to see two spin bowlers at number one and two.

“For many years, Lance Gibbs was our only representative among all those pace bowlers.

“It’s a reward for Shane, for what has been a magnificent service to spin bowling," he told Sky Sports.

“The fact that Shane’s arrived at the front and is going to say there for maybe two months is a great reward and he deserves it.”

Warne’s agent Jason Warne described the record as a “terrific achievement” and warned the rest of the cricket world to expect more of the same for a few more years to come.

He said: “For Shane it’s something he’s really wanted to achieve. He just loves playing for Australia. It’s what he believes he’s here to do. He loves playing for his country.

“To say that you’ve taken more wickets than anyone else is a terrific achievement. Hopefully, he can open up a bit of a gap on Murali.

“He’s (Warne’s) still got quite a few years left in the game, it’s just nice to have the title next to his name.

“I don’t think he’s changed that much. He struggled a bit in the late 90s with shoulder injuries but that aside, he’s been taking about five wickets per Test match and I think he’ll keep taking wickets at that rate.”

Cricket Australia's chief executive officer James Sutherland saluted Warne and said: “To achieve such sustained success is a truly monumental achievement.

“Shane’s ability to dismiss all types of batsmen in a variety of conditions makes him one of the greatest bowlers in cricket’s history.

“In addition to his feats on the ground, Shane has played a pivotal role in revolutionising the art of leg-spin bowling, which has inspired a new generation of children to the craft.

“Cricket Australia and the extended cricket community salute this incredible achievement.”

Muralitharan v Warne:

• 08/05/04 – Muttiah Muralitharan overtakes Courtney Walsh to take 520 Test wickets v Zimbabwe. (Mluleki Nkala).

• 13/07/04 – Shane Warne equals Muttiah Muralitharan’s record of 527 wickets v Sri Lanka. (Upul Chandana).

• 06/08/04 – Muttiah Muralitharan takes his 528th Test wicket to reclaim the record v South Africa. (Martin van Jaarsveld).

• 14/10/04 – Shane Warne equals Muttiah Muralithan’s record of 532 Test wickets v India. (Yuvraj Singh).

• 15/10/04 – Shane Warne reaches 533 Test wickets v India (Irfan Pathan).