SHANE WARNE admits the feeling of becoming Test cricket's greatest wicket-taker has not yet sunk in.

The Aussie leg-spinner could be as much as 40-50 wickets in front of his closest rival, Muthiah Muralitharan, by the time the controversial Sri Lankan recovers from shoulder surgery in December.

But, during India's first innings in last week's Chennai Test, Warne saw the record flash by like a signpost in the night, as butter-fingered Australia dropped catches galore.

"It hasn't sunk in yet that the world bowling record is mine," the Hampshire skipper said.

"I worked hard to put the record out of my mind during the first Test in Bangalore but human nature took over and I over-cooked things a bit.

"I guess with all the talk surrounding the milestone, it's a relief to have passed the mark of 532 wickets.

"The record-breaking wicket was a bit of a blur but I'm sure I'll see Matt Hayden take that catch on replays or in photos and bring back special memories.

Warne made his Test debut against India in 1991-92.

Critics at the time said he would never last and was not good enough for international cricket but, very soon, the 'spin king' as he would later be called, proved them wrong to become one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

The 35-year-old attributes his success to the support of his captains and teammates.

"My debut feels like yesterday and little did I think that, one day, I would top the list for Test wickets," Warne said.

"I have only achieved this mark because of the great teams I have played in. There's no way I would be in this situation without the faith of Allan Border, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist.

"Ian Healy and Gilly (Gilchrist) made me look good while our quicks tied ends up to give me a shot at wickets."

Warne has never been popular with the purists as much for his fashion sense as his off-field scandals.

Bowling in new red and white boots against India in Chennai was a case in point but, according to the man himself, he was not trying to set a new trend.

He said: "They're no publicity stunt, just the most comfortable pair of running shoes I have ever worn, with a splash of red."