Warne's return to international cricket after a 12-month drugs ban has been sensational with the 34-year-old spinning Australia to their first series win in the subcontinent since October 1998.

He has snapped up 20 wickets at an average of 15.7 in the two Tests against Sri Lanka to take his career tally to 511 wickets, eight short of Courtney Walsh's world record of 519.

Although the Sinhalese Sports Club pitch for the final Test, which starts on Wednesday, promises more extravagant turn for Warne, Sri Lanka want their own spin hero, Muralitharan, to capture the record.

"We will definitely be trying to see if we can stop him getting the wickets, so we can win and to help Murali reach the record first," Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara told reporters.

If Warne can be denied the nine wickets he needs then Muralitharan, on 505 after taking 19 in the series, will have a chance at the record during the two-Test tour to Zimbabwe starting in April.

But Sangakkara said that combating Warne would not be easy.

"He's definitely the greatest leg spinner in the game. He's a real challenge to face as he's always thinking and planning."

"He can vary the amount of turn, throw in the straight one and drift it through the air, all with just subtle changes of his wrist -- with that amount of variety plus accuracy he's an extremely difficult prospect."

Australia wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist has sensed a rejuvenated approach to the game from Warne.

"There is extra energy in everything he does," Gilchrist told reporters. "Whether he's simply excited to be involved again or fully recharged because of his lay-off I'm not sure."

Warne, man of the match in the second Test in Kandy, has said that he is now thinking about Walsh's record.

"When the series started I did not think about it at all but if I bowl as well (again) then I suppose there is a chance," Warne said.

"It is definitely on my mind but, if it doesn't happen, I will still be happy if we win and I take a few wickets along the way."