Mark Waugh jumps 16 places in world batting rankings

LONDON - Mark Waugh has shrugged off the cricket bribes scandal to regain his spot in the world Top 10 one-day batsmen, leaping 16 places to No.7. Waugh left his interview with anti-corruption investigators off the field during the Tri-Series against the West Indies and Zimbabwe and leapfrogged team-mates Ricky Ponting (stable on No.8), Adam Gilchrist (down four places to 13) and his brother Steve, who slipped three places to No.19 in the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers rankings.

Damien Martyn was the other big improver for the Australians, rising 11 places to the 15th spot.

But Australian Michael Bevan lost his No.1 ranking to India's Sourav Ganguly, slipping to No.2.

Paceman Glenn McGrath continued to be frustrated by spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in the bowling stakes, with the Sri Lankan retaining the No.1 spot and the Australian No.2.

Spin bowler Shane Warne rose one place to No.5 with Damien Fleming 15. The dismal form of New Zealand, West Indies and Zimbabwe means that only a couple of their players feature in the top twenties.

New Zealanders particularly suffered, especially all-rounders, none of whom now appear in the top five index.

The top five all-rounders are: Jacques Kallis (South Africa); Lance Klusener (South Africa); Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka); Abdur Razzaq (Pakistan); Shaun Pollock (South Africa).