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Clarke ranked best batsman in world

30th March, 2012
19

Australia captain Michael Clarke’s sparkling form with the willow was rewarded with the No.1 spot on the International Cricket Council’s batsmen rankings.

The ICC released their updated rankings on Friday, with Clarke and South Africa’s AB de Villiers sharing top spot on the batting list.

Clarke, who will return from a hamstring injury on Australia’s Test tour of the West Indies, shot to the top due to his tally of 626 runs in his side’s 4-0 home Test series rout of India.

It is the second time Clarke has headed the batting table, having first topped the batting list in August 2009 after he scored 93 against England in Australia’s victory by an innings and 80 runs in the Leeds Test.

Shane Watson’s successful return from injury lifted him to No.4 on the allrounder rankings, while Peter Siddle advanced one place to be the fourth-best bowler.

Australia have a chance to gain, at least, one place on the Test rankings when they take on the West Indies in the three-Test series starting in Bridgetown on April 7.

A series win will lift Australia ahead of India in third position, while a 3-0 series win will put Australia on equal points with England – if England loses 2-0 to Sri Lanka.

Proteas spearhead Dale Steyn remained the No.1-ranked bowler, but compatriot Vernon Philander jumped 11 places to a career-best fifth position.

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Philander claimed match figures of 10-114 in Hamilton and 6-110 in Wellington in his side’s Test series win over New Zealand.

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