Shane Warne is on target for the record haul of wickets by an Australian in a three-Test cricket series.

Warne has bagged 19 wickets in two Tests against Pakistan and, if he bowls in a similar vein in the final Test starting in Sharjah on Saturday, it will take him past Hugh Trumble's century-old record of 26 wickets in a three-Test series set against England in 1902.

Warne has completely bamboozled the Pakistan batsmen so far in this series and there's no reason he won't take another bagful of wickets in the final Test, which will send him into the Ashes series with the milestone of 500 wickets in his sights.

Warne, who currently has 469 wickets, is adamant he's bowling better than at any stage in his 11-year career and it's a feeling backed up by the figures.

Since claiming his 400th wicket in his 92nd Test, Warne has taken 62 wickets in his past 11 Tests.

If he keeps going at his current rate of 5.5 wickets per Test, he will become just the second man to reach 500 wickets after West Indian Courtney Walsh during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.