Sri Lanka's Muralitharan breaks world record

Muttiah Muralitharan broke the world record for test match wickets as Sri Lanka wrapped up a crushing innings victory over a …

Muttiah Muralitharan broke the world record for test match wickets as Sri Lanka wrapped up a crushing innings victory over a weakened Zimbabwe side on the third day of the first test.

Sri Lanka won by an innings and 240 runs, with off spinner Muralitharan taking two for 27 to reach 521 wickets and pass West Indies' Courtney Walsh, who took 519 wickets.

Muralitharan's record-breaking victim was Mluleki Nkala, who was caught by Mahela Jayawardene at silly mid-off. He then caught and bowled Alester Maregwede with his next delivery but his chance of a hat-trick was interrupted as he hurt the index finger on his right hand in taking the catch.

Muralitharan left the field for treatment, and bowled with a bandaged finger on his return.