Perth, Jan 17: Having tormented batsmen the world over, Anil Kumble today added another feather to his glittering career by becoming the first Indian bowler and the third in the world to claim 600 Test wickets.
Kumble achieved the milestone in his 124th match when he had Andrew Symonds caught by Rahul Dravid at first slip just after the tea break on the second day of the third cricket Test against Australia at WACA.
Symonds edged the ball which hit Dhoni`s gloves and went up in the air before Dravid pouched it safely. The Australian middle order batsman stood his ground while umpire Asad Rauf took some time to raise his finger even as the appeal grew louder.
When the decision finally came in India`s favour, Kumble heaved a sigh of relief and held the ball aloft to the acknowledging crowd.
Sri Lanka`s Muttiah Muralitharan (723) and Shane Warne (708) of Australia are the world`s top two wicket-taker ahead of the Indian.
Kumble said it was major achievement and he had never dreamt about the feat in his early days.
"You don`t think of such a landmark when you start but it is a big number. I never dreamt of reaching here," Kumble said after the second day`s play at WACA.
But the 37-year-old Indian captain pointed out that many felt he would not be able to make it this big in his career but he had proved his critics wrong.
"Not many people thought I would (be able to do this) but I knew I was capable of the achievement," said Kumble.
Bureau Report
