Pietersen knocks Hussey off top of world rankings by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 26th March 2007

 

England's Kevin Pietersen has replaced Australia's Michael Hussey on top of the one-day international batting rankings, the ICC announced on Monday.

 

The 26-year-old Pietersen has scored 121 runs at an average of 60.50 at the World Cup including half-centuries against New Zealand and Kenya in Group C.

 

Pietersen is the first England player to top the rankings since Marcus Trescothick did so for one match in 2005 and only the third in history with Allan Lamb doing so back in 1989.

 

Hussey has dropped two places to third position while his captain Ricky Ponting moves up to second.

 

"His average speaks for itself," said Pietersen's England colleague Sajid Mahmood.

 

"When I bowl to him, I feel I can improve my game. You want the best players in the nets and he tests you because of the strange shots he pulls out of nowhere."

 

New Zealand seamer Shane Bond has climbed to second position in the bowlers table for the first time, illustrating the good form that the Black Caps are in at the World Cup.

 

Bond has moved up five places and is now level in second spot with Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who is up seven places for his highest ranking for more than a year.

 

They are both, however, still a long way short of displacing South Africa's Shaun Pollock at the top.

 

Pollock, who conceded over 80 runs off his 10 overs on Saturday when South Africa were beaten by Australia, is still clear of Bond and Muralitharan at the top of the rankings.

 

Batsmen
1. Kevin Pietersen (ENG)
2. Ricky Ponting (AUS)
3. Mike Hussey (AUS)
4. Kumara Sangakkara (SRI)
5. Graeme Smith (RSA)

 

Bowlers
1. Shaun Pollock (RSA)
2. Shane Bond (NZL)
2. Muttiah Muralitharan (SRI)
4. Chaminda Vaas (SRI)
5. Glenn McGrath (AUS)

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)