LANCASHIRE cricket manager Mike Watkinson hailed world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan - and has not ruled out the Sri Lankan spin wizard reaching 1,000 Test victims.

Muralitharan, who has bagged over 200 first-class wickets for Lancashire over the course of four separate spells - yesterday became the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, overtaking Shane Warne's record of 708 in Kandy.

In his 116th Test, the 35-year-old bowled England's Paul Collingwood in the first Test to claim his 709th victim.

Murali made his first appearance for Lancashire back in 1999, and he returned for three more wicket-laden spells with the Red Rose county in 2001, 2005 and 2007.

The effervescent spinner is a popular figure with Lancashire's players and supporters, and Watkinson only has words of praise for the Sri Lankan great.

"It's a fantastic achievement for a tremendous cricketer and a great bloke," said Watkinson "At 35, his appetite and enthusiasm for the game is still massive, so I wouldn't rule out him reaching 1000 test wickets.

"Murali has spent four summers with Lancashire, taking over 200 first class wickets in 28 games (an average of 15.96).

"It's always a joy to have him around and let's hope it's not too long before we see him at Old Trafford again."

Thirty-five-year-old Muralitharan went wicketless in his initial nine-over spell but sparked huge celebrations when he bowled Collingwood in the first over of his return.

Murali added number 710 - Matthew Hoggard stumped down the leg-side - to finish with six for 55 in England's 281 all out.