Brett Lee's brilliant succession as leader of Australia's attack after Glenn McGrath has been highlighted at the International Cricket Council awards.
The paceman became the only player to be included in both the Test and one-day teams of the year, which were announced in Dubai yesterday.
Lee did not attend the awards because of the recent break-up of his marriage.
Ricky Ponting was named captain of the one-day team of the year, which was dominated by Australians despite Australia losing its tri-series one-day finals for a second consecutive season. The troubled Andrew Symonds was also named along with the entire pace attack of Lee, Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson.
Given that Australia has played just six Tests in the past year, Lee was the only Australian in the Test team of the year, with Stuart Clark 12th man. South Africa's Graeme Smith was named as the captain.
No Australian won a major award but Simon Taufel continued his monopoly of the umpire of the year. Taufel has been the only winner in the five-year history of the awards.
"I'm delighted but I don't set this as a goal at the start of a season," Taufel said. "My goals are to be selected for finals and for major championships."
- MALCOLM CONN