Angus Fraser has completed a memorable year and a surprisingly happy Christmas with an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

On Christmas Day itself, the 33-year-old was not even expecting to play in the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.

But injury to Alex Tudor opened the way for a final week to rival anything during the year for England's leading wicket-taker of 1998.

He justified his call-up with two partnership-breaking first innings wickets before England's victory shocked everyone watching.

But then life is full of surprises for Angus Robert Charles Fraser.

A year ago his selection for England's tour of the West Indies raised eyebrows as he made a second comeback to the national side after a lengthy absence.

Life of ups and downs

And it has not just been in 1998 that his fortunes have ebbed and flowed.

The last time he toured Australia in 1994, he was a last-minute replacement because of injury. And on that tour, the Melbourne Test almost cost Fraser his international career.

An injury eventually caused a second absence from the scene after he had missed 24 consecutive Tests in the early-1990s.

Another victim: During his comeback in the West Indies

Even his marvellous 1998 has contained disappointment with his omission from two of the Ashes Tests after the first in Brisbane, and a possible spell on the sidelines in Sydney next week.

So perhaps it was no surprise to find him philosophical about his MBE.

"I was having a great year until I arrived in Australia, but things haven't gone as well as I'd hoped out here," he admitted in Melbourne.

"I was hoping to make much more of a contribution, but getting the MBE makes up for that a little I suppose."

Faxed by the Duke

He also revealed that he knew about the honour some time ago.

"I was sent a letter during the Brisbane Test and I've had to keep quiet about it since, although it didn't actually say I was going to get one - it just said I was being put forward.

"I only heard officially today when I got a fax at the hotel from the Duke of Edinburgh congratulating me on the award and I'm really chuffed. I'm very patriotic and I regard it as a great honour to receive this."

But Fraser admitted the celebrations that followed victory in Melbourne had prevented him toasting the MBE in style.

"I had a quiet one tonight," he revealed on Wednesday.

"I think the party after the Test wore me out a little."