Who is the leading wicket-taker in international cricket?

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the leading wicket-taker in international cricket is Muttiah Muralitharan from Sri Lanka. Muralitharan is widely regarded as one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of the game. During his illustrious career, which spanned from 1992 to 2011, he took a staggering 800 wickets in Test matches and 534 wickets in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

Muralitharan's exceptional skills and unique bowling action made him a formidable force for batsmen around the world. He possessed a wide array of deliveries, including a lethal doosra, which spun away from right-handed batsmen. His ability to generate sharp turn and deceive batsmen with his variations earned him immense success throughout his career.

Muralitharan achieved his record-breaking feat on 22nd July 2010 in the first Test against India in Galle, Sri Lanka. He dismissed Pragyan Ojha of India to surpass the previous record of 800 Test wickets held by Shane Warne of Australia. This milestone was a testament to Muralitharan's longevity, skill, and consistency as a bowler.

In addition to his Test success, Muralitharan also enjoyed a highly successful ODI career. He was an integral part of the Sri Lankan cricket team that reached the final of the 2007 World Cup and won the 1996 World Cup. His ability to take wickets and control the flow of runs in the limited-overs format made him a valuable asset for his team.

Muralitharan's records and achievements in international cricket have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats of the game. His remarkable career and incredible wicket-taking ability have left an indelible mark on the history of cricket.

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