LONDON — Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara has been honoured as the leading cricketer in the world for the second time by Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack.
The 37-year-old Sangakkara is only the second player to earn the accolade twice by the world’s most prestigious cricket publication, following India batsman Virender Sehwag in 2008 and 2009.
Sangakkara, who was also honoured in 2011, made an all-time record 2,868 international runs in 2014, including a triple-century.
Wisden is also breaking new ground in its 152nd edition by announcing its first leading female cricketer: Meg Lanning of Australia.
Lanning, who at 21 became the youngest person ever to captain Australia, led her country to the World Twenty20 title and finished 2014 at the top of both the women’s Twenty20 and ODI batting rankings.