Slinga Malinga ranks Sachin and Dravid among top batsmen

Dubai, May 23 (UNI) Lasith Malinga considers Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid among the top batsmen of world cricket, while stressing that his own bowling action is 'natural'.

When asked to name top batsmen in world cricket, the Sri Lankan bowling sensation said, ''Kumar Sangakkara, Marvan Atapattu, Adam Gilchrist, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar are among the best.'' Malinga defended his bowling action,saying, ''People question my bowling action but there is nothing wrong with it.

''In the beginning, some of the experts told me to change my action but it is not possible.

''It is quite natural and I am perfectly at ease with it.

Champaka Ramanaike, my bowling coach at Galle Cricket Club, advised me not to tinker with my action. It will have adverse effects on my performance,'' Slinga Malinga told Khaleej Times.

Malinga, named sexiest cricketer in the World Cup, said, ''I feel great for this attribute. It is fans' way of judging and I am very thankful to them.'' UNI