On this day: Retiring Muralitharan becomes first man to take 800 Test wickets

Remember Sri Lankan off-spin great who used to spin the ball a million miles. He retired exactly nine years ago on July 22, 2010.

And it was a final Test match to remember for arguably the greatest off-spinner the world has ever seen.

Murali entered the final Test of his career eight short of 800 wickets — a milestone never achieved by any human being dead or alive.

He took five wickets in the first innings. On the final day of the Test and his Test career, he needed three more. 

But in front of him was a stubborn VVS Laxman who was determined to eke out a draw. And in his own ranks was Lasith Malinga who was wreaking such havoc that many wondered if he'd leave anything for the retiring Murali.

Then there was the omnipresent threat of rain.

Muralitharan somehow found two wickets and at 799 he was just one shy of perhaps the greatest milestone for a bowler in cricket.

After 23 overs without success, Murali finally found his 800th scalp — also the final wicket of the Indian innings. The Sri Lankan openers reached the paltry target of 95 at a canter to make sure their spin maestro went out on a high.