SL vs IRE: Prabath Jayasuriya breaks 71-year-old Test record

Spin wizard Prabath Jayasuriya scripted history by clinching 50 wickets in just seven Test matches. He now claims the record for reaching the mark in fewer matches than any other spinner in the last 71 years in red-ball cricket. Notably, in the match against Ireland, the 31-year-old dismissed veteran Irish opener Paul Stirling to claim his 50th Test wicket on the final day of the second Test in Galle.

Former West Indies spinner Alf Valentine previously held the record before Jayasuriya stamped his authority. He now shares the rank with South Africa pacer Vernon Philander and former England international Tom Richardson. On the other hand, former Australia international Charlie Turner still holds the record of being the fastest bowler to pick 50 wickets, as he did it in just six matches. Notably, he set this record in 1888, and even after 135 years, no one has managed to break it.