7 January 2008

New Zealand opening batsman Matthew Bell has been named as this week's Cricket World® Player Of The Week after scoring a century and helping his side secure a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh on his comeback after some six years away from the Test side.

His innings of 107 in the first innings helped put his side in charge after they lost four early wickets. He combined with Jacob Oram (117) as the Kiwis posted 357 to dominate the match.

Bell, out of the side since 2001, took two catches and scored an unbeaten 20 as New Zealand completed victory inside three days.

This week's decision was a difficult one, with a number of creditable performances in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, but Bell's achievement in coming back into the side and performing exceptionally well under pressure.

The Cricket World ® Player Of The Week is judged by the www.cricketworld.com Editorial Team, which takes into consideration matches played in the preceding week with the final decision made on Monday morning.

Users are welcome to discuss the award and put forward contenders for each week's award on our forum, to do so, click here.

© Cricket World 2008

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