India captain Anil Kumble [Images] showered rich tributes on Muttiah Muralitharan saying the ace off-spinner can scale the 1000-wicket mark in Tests.

Muralitharan became the world's highest wicket-taker in Tests on Monday when he took his tally to 709 wickets surpassing former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne [Images], who had 708 wickets to his credit.

"I spoke to him yesterday and told him he'll get to 1000," Kumble said.

The leggie said that Muralitharan had told him that even he could get 1000 wickets in Tests. However, Kumble, who currently has 578 wickets, said: "I'm not sure I can cross 1000."

The Indian captain pointed out to his unbelievable figures in Tests and said his strike rate is fantastic.

"It's a fantastic effort to get to 710 in the number of matches he has played. He's just picked up his 61st five-wicket haul and I told him I thought he'd get to a 100 (five-wicket hauls)," said Kumble.