Galle, Sri Lanka: Charismatic Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan lived his most awaited moment of glory on Thursday as he became the world's first bowler to get 800 Test wickets.
He dismissed Pragyan Ojha in the ongoing Test match between Sri Lanka and India to create history as the entire stadium erupted in joy and gave him a standing ovation.
He picked up eight wickets in the Test match to reach his milestone.
Speaking to a TV channel after the achievement, Murali's wife Madhi Malar Ramamurthy said she was tense as the countdown had begun.
"We had a lovely time today, we are so happy. We jumped in joy," she said.
Cricketers across the world paid glowing tributes.
"It is a big moment for everyone. It is truly remarkable," said Sachin Tendulkar.
"He is great for not only Sri Lanka but the entire world cricket," said Harbhajan Singh.
"I am proud of him. My heartiest congratulations. He is a genuine cricket product," said Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden.
India were all out for 338 in their second innings. Sri Lanka now need only 95 runs to win the Test.
The 800th feat is a perfect swan song for Murali in Test cricket.
Muttiah Muralitharan has decided to retire from Test cricket after the first Test in Galle against India.
The 38-year-old spin wizard said that he will be available for selection if the country needs him for the upcoming World Cup in 2011, that will be co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Earlier, Murali had said that his body is unable to take the pressure of playing Test cricket.
He thus took 800 in 133 Tests apart from 515 wickets in 337 ODIs and 13 wickets in T20 format.
However, his career has always been full of controversies, his bowling action was questioned a lot of time by umpires as well as by a section of cricket community.
His action was cleared by International Cricket Council (ICC) twice, first in 1996 and then in 1999.
Murali’s famous ‘doosra’ was also questioned by the cricketing community in 2004. But as ICC had revised the flexibility limits for this particular delivery, all doubts over his action ceased to persist.
Murali also plays for Chennai Super Kings in The Indian Premiere League (IPL).
He had taken a very crucial role in this year Indian Premier League (IPL), where his team Chennai Super Kings became victorious.