Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene was named Captain of the Year at the 2006 International Cricket Council Awards in Mumbai on Friday.

Jayawardene beat competition from Australia's Ricky Ponting, India's Rahul Dravid and England's Michael Vaughan to win the award, introduced this year only.

- Rediff Select Your Best results

The past 12 months or so have been full of highlights for Jayawardene. He hit a Sri Lankan Test record of 374 against South Africa in Colombo in July, putting on a first-class record partnership for the third wicket of 624 with Kumar Sangakarra.

He was appointed captain for the 2006 tour of England and promptly led his side to a 5-0 One-Day International series whitewash of their hosts.

In Tests too he showed his mettle. His innings of 61 and 119 at Lord's were crucial as Sri Lanka's rearguard saved the match from an almost impossible position.

The Captain of the Year Award is designed not merely to recognise the most successful leader, but it is also intended to reward the player who has displayed excellent tactical awareness, has best fulfilled obligations to the game as set out by the ICC and the Laws of Cricket and has best demonstrated the Spirit of Cricket during the voting period.

The recognition of the importance of promoting the Spirit of Cricket, an ethos on how the game should be played and viewed both on and off the field, illustrates the ICC's commitment to encouraging a positive image of the game.