When the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan called time on his ever illustrious Test career, the Sri Lankans were on the lookout for someone who could deliver at least 50% of what Murali did. Murali had been undoubtedly the greatest match winner produced by Sri Lanka, and his unique numbers spoke for his status.
Back then, not many analysts in the Sri Lankan cricketing fraternity expected a humble left-arm spinner, Rangana Herath to take up that role. Up till 2010, Herath had been a decent spinner, and his numbers by no means perceived him to be anyone as close as Muralitharan regarding being a match winner.
Fast forward to a few years later, and you realise that Herath was indeed the guy to save Sri Lanka. The 40-year-old was at the heart of yet another morale-boosting win for the Lions as he weaved his magic at Abu Dhabi with an 11 wicket haul.
Needing to defend just 136 on the final day, Herath sprung back life into the game as his five-wicket haul decimated Pakistan. When he took the last wicket, Herath got to the 400th wicket of his career, becoming the first left-arm spinner to achieve the feat.
Another rare feat achieved by Herath was that he became the first bowler to pick 200 wickets, after turning 35. He now has the most number of wickets for a bowler after turning 35. Such has been his aura as a match winner for Sri Lanka. Post the game; he was delighted upon receiving the Man of the Match award.
“When you are getting old, it gets increasingly difficult, it’s a different feeling,” said Herath. “Remarkable achievement, all the credit goes to my parents, family, the team and the management. I don’t have any pressure, just play my game. There was some assistance from the surface, there was something for the spinners and it helped me.”
Most Test wickets after the age of 35:
200 Rangana Herath
192 Clarrie Grimmett
181 Shane Warne
180 Courtney Walsh