Muttiah Muralitharan holds a number of world records, and several firsts:
* The highest number of international wickets in Tests and ODIs combined (1155 wickets as of 14 July 2007).
* The most 10-wicket hauls in a match at Test level (20). He is the only player to take 10 wickets/match against every Test playing nation.
* The most 5-wicket hauls in an innings at Test level (60).
* Fastest to 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650 and 700 Test wickets, in terms of matches played.
* Only player to take 10 wickets in a Test in four consecutive matches. Murali has achieved this feat twice.
* Only player to take 50 or more wickets against every Test playing nation.
* Muralitharan and Jim Laker (England), are the only bowlers to have taken 9 wickets in a Test innings twice.
* 7 wickets in an innings against the most countries (5).
* Most Test wickets taken bowled (153), stumped (37) and caught & bowled (30). Bowled by Muralitharan (b Muralitharan) is the most common dismissal in Test cricket (excluding run out).
* Most successful bowler/fielder (non-wicket keeper) combination - c Mahela Jayawardene b Muttiah Muralitharan (62).
* Most number of Man of the Match awards in test cricket (18), jointly held with Jacques Kallis.