Steve

Melbourne: Former Test captain Steve Waugh was named on Sunday as Australian of the Year, following a long line of sportsmen to receive one of the country’s most prestigious awards. Waugh retired from cricket earlier this month after leading his team to a drawn series with India.

He made his Test debut in 1985 and played 168 matches — more than anyone else in history and scored the second highest runs (10,927).

“I’ve said before what a great privilege it is to represent your country. This award takes this privilege to a new and totally unbelievable level for me,” Waugh said. “If it is meant as a recognition in some way of the other work I’ve done in the community in Australia and in India then I’m grateful indeed.” (PTI)