Canberra (Australia): Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh was today named Australian of the Year in recognition of his contribution to sport, humanitarian causes and charity, Prime Minister John Howard said. "I have said before what a great privilege it is to represent your country, this award takes this privilege to a new and totally unbelievable level for me," Waugh said. "In accepting I hope the award will help the focus on me to be about more than just cricket. 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 am grateful indeed." Waugh's work in India is at the Udayan orphanage, which is a home for the children of people with leprosy. He is the third Test captain to be named Australian of the Year upon retirement, joining Mark Taylor (1999) and Allan Border (1989). Waugh retired earlier this month after a four-Test series against India. Howard's announcement was timed to coincide with Australia Day, which is celebrated tomorrow (Jan. 26). Waugh is the most capped Test cricketer of all time with 168 Tests. He scored 10,927 Test runs to rank second behind Border. He is the most successful Test captain with 41 wins, nine losses and seven draws in 57 matches.
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