Andrew Strauss rounded off a dream first year in Test cricket when he was named England's Player of the Year. Strauss, who came into the side for last summer's 1st Test against New Zealand at Lord's, recorded five centuries in his first 12 Tests.

"It has gone far better than I ever thought it would," he told AFP. "The key was getting runs early on and proving to myself I could play at that level."

Strauss rattled off hundreds in his first Tests against New Zealand, the West Indies and South Africa, becoming the first player in Test history to record the feat against three different countries, and excelled during the winter as England registered their first series win in South Africa for 40 years.

"The only chance I have had to sit down and reflect upon what has happened was after the tour of South Africa," he said. "When we did get a break I just thought 'that was a hell of a 12 months'. I really have been living the dream."

Despite a poor start to the county season, Strauss is ready for the Bangladesh series that starts on Thursday. His stunning rise also helped England to an unprecedented unbeaten year in 2004. "It is easier to perform in a successful side," he said. "You can afford to go out and be positive about the way you play and back your gameplan. We have all fed off each other over the past year."

Charlotte Edwards won the Women's Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year for her consistent performances over the past 12 months, including key contributions in the World Cup in South Africa earlier this year.

"I'm delighted to receive it for the second year in a row," she enthused. "It means just that bit more to me this year as it shows a high level of consistency over the past two years. I'm just really, really pleased."

24 May, 2005