Lara takes top spot in PwC ratings

Brian Lara's amazing run-spree - 742 runs in his last five Tests - has ensured that he has overtaken Matthew Hayden as the best batsman in the world, according to the Pricewaterhouse Cooper's Test ratings. Lara scored 533 runs in the four-Test series against Australia, and then sealed the issue with 209 against Sri Lanka - his fifth Test century in seven Tests against them.

Lara's 22-point lead should ensure that he holds on to the top spot for a few more weeks, but Matthew Hayden, currently in second place, will have an opportunity to displace Lara when Australia take on minnows Bangladesh in a two-Test series next month. Michael Vaughan, who started the year at the top of the table, slips to fifth place.

The bowlers' list was headed by Shaun Pollock with 873 points, 12 ahead of Glenn McGrath, who is in second place.