Sangakkara on the rise in LG ICC Player Rankings

Dubai, Jul 07: Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara has risen to a career-high third position in the latest LG ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen after hitting an unbeaten 200 against Bangladesh.The stylish left-hander, playing as a batting specialist after starting as a wicketkeeper-batsman, scored his fifth double hundred, which lifted him above Australia`s Michael Hussey and Kevin Pietersen of England.

Now only Mohammad Yousuf of Pakistan and Australia captain Ricky Ponting are ahead of him in the list. Sangakkara already has the highest-ever rating by a Sri Lanka batsman in Test cricket, something supported by his average of 52.17 from 66 matches. No Sri Lanka batsman to have played 10 or more Tests has a better average than that. Sangakkara`s rise is the most notable feat inside the top 20 batting and bowling places but outside those select groups, Bangladesh captain Mohammed Ashraful has climbed to a career-high listing. The dashing right-hander scored a defiant unbeaten 129 spread over more than five hours to delay Sri Lanka`s victory celebrations, which propelled him up 15 spots to 45th. Star spinner Muttiah Muralidaran - who took five wickets - has been unable to extend his lead at the top of the LG ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers but he remains well clear of South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini. Third-placed Anil Kumble of India is some distance behind these two but the leg-spinner can close the gap with some good performances in the upcoming Test series against England. Chaminda Vaas, who has been released to return to county cricket ahead of the final match of the series, consolidated his fifth place in the all-rounders` list, headed by Jacques Kallis of South Africa. Bureau report