``This does not make me the number one batsman in the world,'' Lara said, soon after his arrival. It just means that I have played more Tests than my peers, and so had more chances of piling up the points, during the period in question.''

Lara pointed out that though the public was prone to making such comparisons, he personally found them odious. ``Saying I am the world's best batsman seems silly, when there are also players like Sachin Tendulkar, Mark Waugh, Sanath Jayasuriya and Saeed Anwar around,'' the Windies star said.

Lara, who hasn't matched his world record feats in the ongoing season, sounded a note of warning when he said that the Windies were better prepared, as a team, for its upcoming tour of Australia. ``By deciding not to play county cricket this season, I too have personally ensured that I am not physically drained. Right now I am feeling on top of the world, and more than ready to face the Aussies,'' Lara said.

The twin world record holder, who is being crowned for his performances during the period May 1, 1995 to April 30, 1996, had mustered a total of 74 points in that 12 month period.