HAMPSHIRE captain Shane Warne has been named as the Leading Cricketer in the World by Wisden.

The Cricket Almanack's newest accolade has passed from Australian captain Ricky Ponting to Warne following the leg spinner's dramatic comeback from his year-long suspension.

Since returning to the first class game 14 months ago Warne has taken 94 Test wickets at 23.98, 51 first class wickets for Hampshire at 27.21 and 17 first class wickets for Victoria at 29.58.

Wisden have also named five Englishmen as their Cricketers of the Year for the first time since 1960 and for only the second time since the Second World War.

They are Ashley Giles, Steve Harmison, Robert Key, Andrew Strauss and Marcus Trescothick.