Off spinner Muralitharan has now gained a total of 62 points to take a good lead in the latest World rankings. In the second place is South African paceman Allan Donald with 44 points, followed by England skipper Alec Steurat (41).
Dashing Sri Lanka opener Sanath Jayasuriya, the winner of last year's International cricketer title who returned to form with a superb double century against England, is jointly placed fourth with England fast bowler Angus Fraser - 35 points each. Behind sixth placed Mark Boucher (25 points) are Darren Gough and Sri Lankan vice captain Aravinda de Silva who have 24 points each.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka team has strengthened their grip in the CEAT International Cricket team of the year contest after their convincing five-wicket win in the Emirates Cup three-nation final and that historic ten-wicket win at the Oval Test against England.
These two wins alone has given Sri Lanka another 16 points to take a commanding lead. Sri Lanka has totalled 36 points while England and India are joint second with 18 points each. In the fourth place is South Africa with 15 points, followed by New Zealand (9), Kenya (4) and Bangladesh (2). These rankings were issued by R.S.Hartley & Company. (D.W.).