The New Nation - Internet Edition

BBC Online

India captain Anil Kumble has become the third bowler to take 600 Test wickets, joining fellow spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.

The 37-year-old leg-break bowler reached the milestone on day two of the third Test against Australia in Perth.

Kumble struck when Andrew Symonds was caught by Rahul Dravid at slip for 66.

He said: "It means a lot. You never think when you first start off that you will reach that milestone. Rahul has taken so many catches off my bowling."

Dravid, during his own stint as India captain, once called Kumble the "greatest Indian cricketer of the last 15 years".

That comment exalted him above record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar, a player who has always commanded more box-office appeal.

And the 600th wicket was a crucial one, giving India the advantage in Perth as they attempt to win their first Test of the series after losing the first two.

Adam Gilchrist, Symonds' non-striking partner when Kumble reached the landmark, took off his helmet and congratulated the bowler.

It was a welcome cordial gesture within a series that became dogged by rancour in the aftermath of the Sydney Test.

Kumble went on: "Having played this long you keep crossing landmarks and milestones.

"I'd like to thank my family, my wife, my kids and all the team-mates right though my career, the 18 years I have playedt and the bowlers who have actually bowled from the other end, and the catchers.

Kumble said he had enjoyed some of the best form of his Test career in since recovering from shoulder problems in the 2000-2001 season.

"I'm probably more relaxed and all the experience I have had in different conditions, I have used that," he said.