Yet another record for Murali

Ace Sri Lankan offie has got his name into the record books again. Rajneesh Gupta gives a low-down.

Ace Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan got his name into the record books for the umpteenth time when he returned the figures of 7-97 in South Africa's second innings of Colombo Test. This also enabled him to take a 10-wicket haul in a match for the 18th time in his Test career.

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More importantly this was the fourth consecutive ten-wicket match haul for Muralitharan. He had taken 10 wickets against England at Birmingham, 11 in the following Test at Nottimgham, then 10 against South Africa in the first Test at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo...and now 12 wickets in this match.

Muralitharan has now equalled the world record of most consecutive 10-wicket match hauls. Interestingly Muralitharan equalled his own record, which was made in 2001-02 season.

When Australia's Clarrie Grimmett had taken ten wickets in three consecutive matches way back in 1935-36, it was thought to be impossible for any bowler to break this record at that time. It was quite true, well almost.

No bowler other than Murali has succeeded in claiming 10 wickets in more than two successive matches.A clear indication of man's class and talent!

Most consecutive 10-wicket hauls in Test cricket
Four:
M Muralitharan (SL)	8-87  & 3-109 5-13  & 5-98 6-126 & 5-44 4-54  & 6-81	v Ind v BD v WI v WI	Colombo(SSC) Colombo(SSC) Galle Kandy	2001-02  2001-02  2001-02  2001-02
M Muralitharan (SL)	6-86 & 4-29 3-62 & 8-70 4-41 & 6-131 5-128 & 7-97	v Eng v Eng v SA v SA	Birmingham Nottingham Colombo (SSC) Colombo (PSS)	2006  2006  2006  2006
Three:
CV Grimmett (Aus)	5-32  & 5-56 3-70  & 7-40 7-100 & 6-73	v SA	Cape Town Johannesburg Durban	1935-36 1935-36 1935-36