Sport

Lara back on top

Brian Lara - file

london, cmc

WEST INDIES BATTING STAR Brian Lara has returned to the top of the LG ICC Test batting rankings, following his elegant 176 in the just-concluded third Test between West Indies and South Africa at Kensington Oval.

Lara, the record holder for the highest Test and first class scores, overtakes South African batsman Jacques Kallis to claim top spot in the official LG ICC rankings for the first time since May 2004.

Lara's rating stands at 886, four ahead of Kallis who missed out on a century in the third Test when he was dismissed for 78 in South Africa's first innings.

Indian Rahul Dravid had slipped one place to third in the rankings while Australian captain Ricky Ponting lies fourth.

Despite the wretched West Indies batting in both innings of the Barbados Test, Lara stood tall with his second century of the Digicel Series.

With the West Indies tottering on 12 for three in their first innings, the brilliant Lara arrived to rescue the West Indies team with his stunning century, which propelled the score to 296 all out.

Lara, who missed the first Test in Guyana, had earlier announced his return to the squad in Trinidad in emphatic style with a brilliant 196 in the first innings.

West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul remains 15th on the list while Ramnaresh Sarwan, who scored an unbeaten century in the second Test, has slipped one place to 23rd.

Meanwhile, South African bowler Andre Nel has made the top ten bowling list for the first time following his first Test match ten-wicket haul, which included the wicket of Lara in both innings.