Muttiah Muralitharan

Muttiah Muralitharan is a Sri Lankan off-spin bowler who took a record 800 Test wickets and 534 ODI wickets, making him the most prolific bowler in cricket history.

Muttiah Muralitharan was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka in 1972 and took 800 Test wickets across 133 matches at an average of 22.72 — the all-time world record. He also took 534 ODI wickets in 350 matches — another world record. His combined international wicket tally of 1,347 is the most in cricket history by a distance. He played for Tamil Union domestically and had county stints with Lancashire, Kent and Surrey. He delivered 44,039 balls in Test cricket — more than any other bowler. His action — a highly unorthodox wrist position that generated exceptional turn — was twice cleared by the ICC after biomechanical analysis following controversy about its legality. His off-break turned viciously on any surface; his doosra — turning the opposite way — was uniquely dangerous. He took 5 wickets in an innings 67 times — the most in Test history — and 10 wickets in a match 22 times — also a record. He was the first bowler to take 500, 600, 700 and 800 Test wickets. His 16 wickets against England at The Oval in 1998 is the finest match bowling performance in the modern era. He was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1999 and 2006. Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup — one of cricket's greatest upsets — with Murali as a key component.

Muralitharan bowled off-spin with an unusual action that generated exceptional turn and bounce. His flexible wrist allowed him to bowl the 'doosra' - a delivery that spun away from right-handed batsmen despite appearing to be a conventional off-break. He was particularly effective on spin-friendly pitches and could bowl long spells with remarkable accuracy.

Muralitharan revolutionized spin bowling and inspired a generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. His record of 800 Test wickets remains unmatched and may never be broken.

• ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
• ICC Cricketer of the Year 2006 (shared recognitions)