Factfile on Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who became the third bowler to take 500 Test wickets, on the opening day of the second Test against Australia on Tuesday.

Born: April 17, 1972; Kandy, Sri Lanka.

1992: Makes Test debut against Australia.

1993: Plays in his first One-Day International against India.

1995: Called for throwing by Australian umpire Darrell Hair, prompting continuing debate about the legality of his throwing action.

1997: Takes 100th Test wicket against New Zealand.

1998: Takes 200th Test wicket against England.

Called again for throwing during One-Day International in Adelaide, prompting the Sri Lanka team to leave the field in protest. Subsequent Tests show that Muralitharan bowls with a bent elbow due to a congenital deformity.

1999: Named as one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year. First county cricket appearance for Lancashire

2000: Takes 300th Test wicket against South Africa.

2002: Becomes the youngest and quickest player to reach 400 Test wickets, reaching the mark in Sri Lanka's third Test against Zimbabwe, only the 72nd Test of his career.

2003: Joins county side Kent

2004: Becomes only the third man after Courtney Walsh and Shane Warne to take 500 Test wickets in Sri Lanka's second Test against Australia in Kandy.