Former Sri Lanka spinner Muthiah Muralidaran has claimed the most wickets in international cricket.

Having made his international debut against Australia in a Test match in 1992, Muralidaran ended his career as the all-time highest wicket-taker in international cricket with 1347 scalps in 495 matches at an average of 22.86. He recorded 77 five-wicket hauls and 22 10-wicket hauls in his international career.

Considered to be one of the greatest bowlers to have played the sport, Muralidaran bagged 800 Test wickets in 133 matches at an average of 22.72 - the most by any bowler in the longest format of the game.

Muralidaran also holds the record for picking the most wickets in the ODI format, bagging 534 wickets in 350 matches at an impressive average of 23.08 and an economy of 3.93. 

The legendary off-spinner also played 12 T20Is, claiming 13 wickets at an economy of 6.31.

Muralitharan made his last international appearance in the 2011 World Cup final against India in Mumbai, which Sri Lanka lost by six wickets.

Australian legend Shane Warne features second on the list for most wickets in international cricket. During his international career, the leg-spinner picked 1001 wickets in 339 matches at an average of 25.51 including 38 five-wicket hauls and 10 10-wicket hauls.

Between 1992 and 2007, Warne bagged 708 Test wickets in 145 matches and 293 ODI wickets in 194 matches. 

Legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble is third on the list for most wickets in international cricket. Kumble bagged 956 wickets in 403 matches at an average of 30.09 with 37 five-wicket hauls and eight 10-wicket hauls.

Former Australia pacer Glenn McGrath and England fast bowler James Anderson complete the top five list for most wickets in international cricket.

While McGrath picked 949 wickets in 376 matches, Anderson has bagged 954 wickets in 388 matches. Currently, Anderson has the most wickets in international cricket among active players.

Most wickets in international cricket

Featured photo: SANKA VIDANAGAMA / AFP