Tearaway Brett Lee has been rewarded for his second coming as an international force by being named one of Wisden's five cricketers of the year.
The speedster spent 18 months in the Test wilderness but has shown new found maturity in his bowling to become Australia's spearhead in Glenn McGrath's absence.
He joined his captain Ricky Ponting and English trio Simon Jones, Kevin Pietersen and Matthew Hoggard as the players honoured in the sport's revered almanac.
Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff pipped Shane Warne to be named leading cricketer in the world for 2005 but they were ineligible to be in the top five.
The gong was another sign of Lee's growing status having picked up 70 Test wickets at 29.95 since July and 73 one-day wickets at 23.35 in 43 matches since the start of 2005.
He has also been a more than handy contributor with the bat having guided Australia to a tense two-wicket Test win in Johannesburg only last week.
The New South Welshman was surprised to earn the award.
"I've really enjoyed playing the last 12 months, especially in Test match cricket," he said.
"I've been going well, taking wickets and scoring a few runs so I'm really happy with the recognition," he said.
"It's brilliant to be mentioned in the same breath as a guy like Andrew Flintoff, Ricky Ponting, it's pretty special."
Lee, 29, made a dream start to Test cricket in 1999 by picking up seven wickets on debut against India and claimed 42 scalps in his first seven matches.
He played a starring role at the 2003 World Cup but the paceman's career in the longer form of the game was restricted because of injuries until last year.
"I got off to a flier and then had a few setbacks with a few injuries which is all part of the learning curve of being a fast bowler," Lee said.
"Unfortunately I had that lay off which has probably been the best thing for me to make sure I got my body right.
"Then we've had a really hectic 12 months. I'm exhausted, to say the least. I'm running on fumes I think, the petrol's gone but it's been a most enjoyable 12 months."
Lee was itching to get stuck into the English as Australia try to regain the Ashes at home later this year.
"I'm very much looking forward to five months off, having a rest and then getting back for the English," he said.
"I'm looking forward to getting our revenge and it's going to be a great series."