Who was the first bowler to take 800 wickets in Test cricket?

Muttiah Muralitharan was the first bowler to take 800 wickets in Test cricket. The Sri Lankan off-spinner reached the landmark in his final Test, against India in Galle in July 2010, when he dismissed Pragyan Ojha with his last delivery in Test cricket.

Muralitharan finished his career with 800 wickets in 133 Tests, a record that remains the highest total in men's Test cricket. He also claimed 534 wickets in One Day Internationals, making him one of the most successful bowlers in international history. His unusual wrist-spin technique produced sharp turn and several variations, including the doosra.

The other options are famous Test bowlers but did not reach the milestone first. Shane Warne retired with 708 Test wickets, Anil Kumble took 619, and James Anderson finished with 704. Muralitharan also surpassed Courtney Walsh's previous record of 519 Test wickets and became the first bowler to pass 700.