Sachin Tendulkar lauds the outstanding effort of Rangana Herath

It was a familiar sight for the Sri Lankan cricket fans when Rangana Herath wrapped things up for them in a Test match. Herath dismissed Taijul Islam in the second Test against Bangladesh to bundle up the hosts for 123. Sri Lanka registered a thumping win. Moreover, for Herath, it was a special moment. The good wishes came in pouring for the legendary cricketer. Among the many who wished him was former legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

When Rangana Herath managed to get Taijul caught by Gunathilaka in the 30th over of the Bangladeshi second innings, he became the leading wicket taker among the left arm bowlers in Test cricket history. In the innings, Herath returned with figures of 4/49 with the ball. The other spinner in the side, Akila Dhananjaya, bagged a five wicket haul.

Now, as on February 10, 2018, Herath stands with 415 wickets to his name in just 89 Test matches. His efforts include as many as 33 five wicket hauls and 9 ten wicket hauls in a match. He surpassed legendary Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram with his 415th scalp in Test cricket. Akram had 414 wickets to his name in 104 Test matches. Interestingly, there are only two spinners among the top 6 left arm bowlers with most Test wickets.

While Rangana Herath has taken the top spot, former New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori comes in at the number three spot with 362 wickets in 113 Test matches for his side. Commenting Herath’s career, the wily operator largely lived in the shadows of Muttiah Muralitharan during the early days of his international career. It was only after the retirement of Muralitharan that Herath saw himself promoted as the first choice spinner in the side.

He soon proved his worth by picking up wickets at will. This saw him getting a promotion to lead the Test side as well. And now, when the Sri Lankan team is going through a tough phase, the wise old operator is still trying to hold the fort intact. Commending his remarkable effort, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar praised him on Twitter. He congratulated Herath for his outstanding achievement.

Here is what Sachin Tendulkar tweeted for Rangana Herath:

“Outstanding effort to become the highest left-arm wicket taking bowler. Congratulations, @HerathRSL!” tweeted Sachin Tendulkar.

Outstanding effort to become the highest left-arm wicket taking bowler. Congratulations, @HerathRSL! pic.twitter.com/VMy5YOXLOj

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 10, 2018

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