I wanted to get it done and move on: Tim Murtagh on reaching 900-wicket milestone in FC cricket

The former Ireland seamer Tim Murtagh has created history by reaching the 900-wicket mark in first-class cricket. Murtagh, the Middlesex captain, achieved this astonishing feat by dismissing his Derbyshire counterpart Billy Godleman on the second day of the County Championship encounter between these two teams. 

On being asked what he was thinking before this game, the former Irish seamer said he aimed to get his 900th wicket soon and move on.  

"I knew coming into the game I was on 899, so wanted to get it done and move on," Murtagh said on the ECB Reporters network. 

The 40-year-old made his first-class debut representing British Universities against Zimbabwe way back in 2000. The veteran seamer has played 3 Tests, 58 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Ireland, in which he has picked 100 wickets across formats. 

When enquired about his inspirational journey, the 248-FC match-veteran said although he made his debut a long time ago, it feels magical to still contribute to the team's success. 

"It seems like I was making my debut a lifetime ago, but I'm happy to play around still and contribute to the team, " the Middlesex captain said. 

The right-arm fast bowler from Lambeth also stressed that the feeling of getting his first FC wicket was surreal and that dismissal occupies a special place in his heart. However, when asked about getting 100 more scalps to reach the landmark of 1000 first-class wickets, the former Ireland legend admitted the milestone to be still a long way to go, though he didn't entirely rule out the possibility of achieving that monumental feat. 

"The first wicket has always been the most special because you always question if you will play and whether you will take one first-class pole, never mind 900. I think (the first) was my first ball in FC cricket. It was caught down the legside- an absolute pie," Murtagh said. "One thousand wickets feels a long way away after the first day in the field. But, as I always say, we'll go one year at a time and see what happens," the Middlesex skipper concluded.