I'll get the record back, says Murali

MUMBAI: Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan sent a congratulatory fax to Shane Warne after the Aussie leggie broke his Test record tally of 532 on Friday. "I will speak to him later," said the Lankan off-spinner from Kandy. Warne claimed Irfan Pathan as his 533rd victim in Chennai. "He deserves the record. I have had my glory. Now it''s his turn. Let''s not forget that I was well behind the total number of wickets that he had. I could overtake him only because he was out of cricket for a year due to suspension."Warne was tied with Murali at 527 wickets after the second Test against Sri Lanka in July, but the Lankan nosed five ahead after the first Test against South Africa at Galle. He then got injured. The careers of the two spin kings have almost run parallel. Both have courted controversy, greatness and injuries. Warne lost the zip in his flipper, one of his most potent deliveries after his finger was operated upon. Does Murali fear the same? "I don''t think so. I am an offspinner and bowl different deliveries. Shane relied on his flipper a lot earlier, but now has more variety."Experts believe that the two spinners will take turns to own the record because both have a lot of cricket left in them. But does that diminish the importance of the feat in any way? Murali doesn''t think so. "In fact it increases the interest levels of the media and the public." The offie also dismissed any suggestions of him challenging Warne and hotting up the contest to reclaim the record. "If anything I am better off without that pressure," he laughed.The shoulder operation will keep him out till December. Australia in the same time are scheduled to play five Tests which could mean Warne building up a sizeable lead. "I''m not bothered. Even if I retire tomorrow, I can say that I once held the world record for most number of Test wickets. And I''m confident that I can get the record back as Sri Lanka are playing almost 15 Tests after May."Apart from being happy with Warne''s success, Murali is also thrilled spin bowling is doing well. "Isn''t it great? Two spinners are at the top of the pile. Kumble has entered the 400 club and Harbhajan is bowling brilliantly after his injury comeback. Both of them are also contenders for the record for most wickets."