Muralitharan named as the leading player in the world

Muttiah Muralitharan, the Sri Lanka offspinner, has been named as the Leading Cricketer in the World for 2006 by this year's Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, which hits the bookshops tomorrow.

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

He is the fourth recipient of the title since it was inaugurated, following Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne - who is featured on this year's front cover - and, last year, the England allrounder 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 enjoyed another prolific year, with 90 wickets - including 22 in two matches against South Africa - and is closing in on his 700th in Tests. His captain, Mahela Jayawardene, was named as one of the Five Cricketers of the Year, cricket's oldest honour which dates back to 1889. The other four were Monty Panesar, Mark Ramprakash, Mohammad Yousuf and Paul Collingwood.