Flintoff wins another prize

Flintoff has emerged as a world-class player in 2004

Andrew Flintoff received further recognition for his fine summer when he was named the Professional Cricketers' Association's player of the year.

The England star was handed the award at the Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday.

Flintoff has scored at least 50 in his last eight Tests - plus two 100s - and hit three tons and a 99 in his last seven one-day internationals.

Earlier this month he was named the International Cricket Council's one-day player of the year.

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Amongst the numerous highlights of his year were a maiden five-wicket Test haul against West Indies in Barbados in April and an unbeaten 167 against the same opponents at Edgbaston in July.

He was named man of the series after the recent 4-0 Test triumph over West Indies.

Earlier on Tuesday he helped England claim a place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy as they beat Australia by six wickets at Edgbaston.

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Flintoff, who also became a father earlier this month, saw off competition from Steve Harmison, Robert Key and Andrew Strauss to claim the award, which is voted for by the players themselves.

Hussain award

Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell, who made his England debut in the fourth Test against West Indies, was named young player of the year.

Bell averaged 71.33 in the Frizzell County Championship with a top score of 262 not out and scored 70 on his Test debut.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who retired earlier in the summer, was presented with the England and Wales Cricket Board's special award.

Glamorgan received the spirit of cricket award and retiring wicketkeepers Steve Rhodes and Jack Russell were given the "in safe hands" award. Neil Mallender was named umpire of the year.