LONDON, May 9: Andrew Flintoff has been named England cricketer of the year for 2006. The all-rounder added the award to that of international cricketer of the year which he shared with South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis last October.

“To be named is a great honour,” Flintoff said.

Flintoff, who leads his country for the first time on home soil in the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's this week, was the obvious choice after an outstanding 12 months during which England beat Australia to win the Ashes.

“It's been a fantastic year for English cricket,” he said.

“I'm very proud to have been able to play a part in regaining the Ashes.

“The support I've received from the British public has been very humbling. I'm now looking forward to building on this success during what promises to be a very exciting summer for English cricket as we head towards another Ashes series and a World Cup campaign this winter.”

Meanwhile, Flintoff has admitted that standing in for Michael Vaughan as England captain had given him a taste for leading his country.

Flintoff took over the captaincy from Vaughan in India and led England to a highly creditable 1-1 Test series draw in a campaign where the tourists were without several key players because of injury and illness.

“Getting the chance to captain your country is always an honour and it's something I want to do more often to be honest,” the 28-year-old Lancashire star said.—Agencies