Shane Warne [Images] is showing no signs of slowing down at an age when most bowlers have already quit.

The 36-year-old Australia leg spinner already holds the world record for the most Test wickets in a career and now owns the mark for the most in a calendar year.

On Saturday he broke the previous record of 85, set by Australian paceman Dennis Lillee in 1981, with a three-wicket haul against South Africa.

Warne has now taken 87 wickets this year with the second innings of this Test and another match still to come before the end of the year.

"It's obviously a very proud achievement," he said.

"I've played 15 odd seasons of international cricket and to have your best season at this stage, age 36, really makes me look forward to the next few seasons."

Warne may be in the twilight of his career but he is playing better than ever. He may not turn the ball as sharply as he once did and no longer uses the flipper but remains just as potent.

He captured 40 wickets in this year's Ashes series in England [Images] and his three wickets against the Proteas on Saturday lifted his career tally to 648.

Warne is 70 in front of his nearest rival, Sri Lanka's [Images] Muttiah Muralitharan, but said he expected all his records would eventually fall.

"It'd be nice if it lasted another 24 or 25 years but I don't think it will because there's obviously a lot more Test cricket being played these days," he said.

Warne has made a career out of tormenting opposition batsman and played a leading role in reviving the art of spin bowling, just as Lillee inspired a generation of Australian fast bowlers.

Warne said he grew up idolising Lillee and the fiery paceman, who lives in Perth and was at the ground to see Warne break his record on Saturday, returned the compliment.

"I was happy Shane was the one who did it," Lillee said.

"If anyone deserves it in world cricket, it's Shane. I'd go anywhere to watch him play.

"He has hunger, desire, a big heart, loves the game, has a great feel for the game. And he's a magician. He just does it all well."