SHANE WARNE has spoken of his disappointment after failing to go past Muttiah Muralitharan's world record.

Warne and Muralitharan are now level on 527 wickets after Hampshire's captain took 4 for 69 on the last day of Australia's drawn Test match against Sri Lanka in Cairns.

The 34-year-old said: "It would have been nice to get one or two ahead of him and win the Test match.

"It would have been a perfect script.

"Every time there's been a script written I've just about done it. I suppose I'm allowed one that I don't get every now and then.

"I feel very proud sitting here today with 527 Test wickets and equalling the world record."

Watching in the stands of Cazaly's Stadium were Warne's mother Brigitte, who was at the heart of the doping scandal that resulted in him being suspended from cricket for 12 months, his father Keith and three members of Warne's first club, East Sandringham.

"It's great to have my mum and dad here. Mum's been through a tough time over the last couple of years and so has my father. It's a pretty proud moment for them too," Warne said.

Dad Keith said: "He left it to the last minute, didn't he? Ricky (Ponting) was fantastic to let him keep bowling like he did. Everyone hoped he would get one more, for himself and for Australia, but it wasn't to be.

"At least he can say he's equal with Murali. I'm a very proud dad."

Warne's joint ownership of the world record will probably last only until Muralitharan, who chose not to tour Australia for personal reasons after his controversial doosra delivery was deemed illegal by the ICC, returns to Test cricket against South Africa next month.

The battle will continue when Warne tours India later this year, but with Muralitharan more than two years younger, he is widely tipped to finish in front.

"He (Warne) knows that I will always take the record back," Muralitharan said earlier this month.

Warne is expected back in England in time to play for Hampshire in this Sunday's totesport League match against Northants.