Waugh gains honour

Waugh retired this month as the most-capped Test player ever

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has been named Australian of the Year in recognition of his contribution to sport, humanitarian causes and charity.

Waugh retired earlier this month as the most capped Test cricketer of all time, with 168 appearances, 57 as captain.

But he is also a supporter of an Indian orphanage, home for the children of people with leprosy.

"In accepting I hope the award will help the focus on me to be about more than just cricket," 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."

Australian Prime Minister John Howard made the announcement to coincide with Australia Day, which is celebrated on 26 January.

Waugh is the third Test captain to be named Australian of the Year upon retirement, following Mark Taylor in 1999 and Allan Border 10 years previously.

The last sportsman to win the award was tennis star Patrick Rafter in 2002.

In a statement, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the award would, "help lift the mood of a nation saddened by the tragic loss of another cricketer, David Hookes".

Hookes, a former Test batsman and state coach, died after a fight outside a hotel a week ago.