ALL ABOUT CRICKET

Sachin Tendulkar has topped the list of world's best 100 Test cricketers named by Shane Warne in his book 'Shane Warne's century', which also features 10 other Indians.

Warne's list from among cricketers whom he had played with or against also includes Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Mohammad Azharuddin, Dilip Vengsarkar and Ravi Shastri.

Shane Warne has described Tendulkar as a "genius" and "best in the business", one who has an amazing discipline, and puts the Indian ahead of West Indian legend Brian Lara.

"Tendulkar has a touch of genius about him. He is the best in the business. He is quick and decisive - he either goes all the way forward or back on the crease, but doesn't get caught in two minds.

"I have found it difficult at times to deceive him because he reads the length and the spin so quickly," said Warne of Tendulkar in the book.

Ganguly features in the 96th spot in the list.

Warne has shared a love and hate relationship with Ganguly. The two have had a few run-ins, the latest being during the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League, where they involved in a war of words and were both fined 10 per cent of their match fees.

Still, Warne considers Ganguly as an intelligent cricketer with interesting ideas on all subjects and one who has his own way of doing things.

"But he did have the knack of rubbing up opponents (and even teammates when he went to Lancashire) the wrong way without seeming to try very hard. If this was part of a deliberate strategy, then he got it bang on at times.

"He would also be late for the toss and then walk off on his own without waiting for Steve Waugh, our captain. To be a minute or so behind because an issue crops up is one thing, but more than that is just taking the mickey," Warne wrote of Ganguly in his book.

Besides Tendulkar, the top five include Brian Lara in second spot, followed by Curtly Ambrose, Allan Border and Glenn McGrath.

The list of 100 best cricketers also features nine Pakistanis, eight Sri Lankan players.