Brilliant bowler. IMO, the only spinner better than Warne.
SkySports
Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will retire from Test cricket after the series opener against India, which takes place in Galle from July 18-22.
Muralitharan, 38, is the leading wicket taker in Test history with 792 victims from 132 matches.
He has carried Sri Lanka's bowling since making his debut against Australia in August 1992, taking 10 wickets in a Test on an incredible 22 occasions.
Arguably his finest hour came at the Oval in 1998 when he claimed match figures of 16-220, including 9-65 in the second innings, to bowl Sri Lanka to their maiden Test victory in England.
By Saroj Pathirana
BBC Sinhala
Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will retire from Test cricket after the first Test of the home series against India in Galle starting on 18 July.
News of the 38-year-old's retirement was made public an hour after the BBC Sinhala Service revealed his plans.
Muralitharan, an off-spin bowler with a unique action, has a world record 792 wickets from 132 Test appearances.
He is expected to continue to play in some limited-overs internationals, including next year's World Cup.
Nishantha Ranathunga, Sri Lanka Cricket secretary, said: "Murali informed us about few weeks ago that he wanted to retire from Test cricket as he is getting tired and due to some other reasons.
"He first discussed his decision with the selectors and then informed us of his his decision. I believe he will continue to play ODIs and Twenty20 games."
SLC said it would hold an official press conference to reveal more details "in due course".
Muralitharan is the greatest bowler Sri Lanka has ever produced, and one of the finest players to grace the game.
In addition to his feats in the Test arena, he has also played 337 one-day internationals, taking 515 wickets.
