Murali on target for perfect 10

Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan took nine Zimbabwean wickets to close in on Jim Laker's Test bowling record before suffering a suspected dislocated finger as he attempted to hold a catch in the final over of the day.

He claimed his victims for just 51 runs as Zimbabwe closed on 234 for nine, but was taken to hospital for an X-ray after scrambling in an attempt to make a brave catch in the fading light.

Henry Olonga hit Thilan Samaraweera to Murali at deep mid-wicket but was relieved to see the ball slip his grasp.Should Murali recover and be fit to play tomorrow, he will be vying to break Laker's Test best.

If he takes the remaining wicket, that of Travis Friend or Henry Olonga, without conceding more than a single, he will better Laker's world record.

English off-spinner Laker took 10 for 53 against Australia at Old Trafford in 1956, and India's Anil Kumble became only the second bowler to achieve the feat of skittling a whole team when he claimed 10-74 against Pakistan three winters ago.

Grant Flower's 72 was Zimbabwe's top score and they have done well to reach 234 after Murali earlier reduced them to 83 for five.

Friend (unbeaten on 28) and Olonga (17 not out) frustrated the Sri Lankans in the closing overs before bad light ended the day's play.

Muralitharan took nine for 65 against England at the Oval in 1998.

The 29-year-old has now taken 391 Test wickets, with this his 71st match.

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