Wisden's top award goes to Muralitharan

LONDON : tar off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was named on Tuesday as the Wisden almanack's "leading cricketer in the world."

He is the fourth recipient of the title since it was inaugurated, following Australians Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne and England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.

The award differs from the traditional five cricketers of the year, as it can be won more than once by the same player.

"Muralitharan is a truly great criceter," said Wisden's Simon Barnes. "Those that cannot go along with such a sentiment have something lacking in their souls. The spirit of cricket, perhaps."

The Muralitharan enjoyed another prolific year with the ball and is closing in on 700 Test wickets.

Surrey's Mark Ramprakash also receives the accolade for his phenomenal domestic season - in which he scored 2,278 runs - while Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene and Pakistan run machine Mohammad Yousuf are the other recipients. LONDON, March 27, 2007

(AFP)