The player of this Ashes series will be the inaugural winner of the Compton-Miller medal, a new award which commemorates two of England and Australia's greatest post-war cricketers.

England's most charismatic batsman, Denis Compton, and Australia's most dashing allrounder, Keith Miller, were great friends off the field of play as well as great rivals on it.

The launch of the medal in their honour was made at Lord's on the eve of the 1st Test in the presence of Mrs Marie Miller, the widow of Keith, and Denis's son Richard, who travelled from his home in South Africa. Also present were England captain Michael Vaughan and his Australia counterpart Ricky Ponting.

James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia, revealed that the idea for the Compton-Miller medal had developed after the memorial service for Keith Miller at Melbourne's St Paul's Cathedral.

"We wanted an appropriate way of remembering Keith and it was Marie who reminded us of his great friendship with Denis Compton, his English alter-ego," he said.

David Collier, ECB chief executive said: "Denis Compton had the post-war status of a matinee idol – with a love of life and a love of living life to the full. It was an attitude he shared with Keith Miller and they became not only great rivals but also great friends.

"And that is what is so special about sporting contests between England and Australia. They are played aggressively, but also played fairly, competitively but with respect. After this summer of great rivalries, great friendships will have been forged."

20 Jul, 2005