Dravid presented best World Cup cricketer award

South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis was adjudged the cricketer of the year while his side was named the team of the year.Neil Johnson of Zimbabwe and Steve Tikolo of Kenya were named the crickets of the World Cup for their countries.

“I did not try to change my game despite being considered unfit for one-dayers. I made some slight adjustments and I had some luck as well,” Dravid said in his acceptance speech. The stylish Karnataka batsman earned 23 points on the basis of his batting performance in the World Cup.

The awardees were selected by an expert panel comprising the world’s highest century getter in Tests Sunil Gavaskar, and former Australian and West Indian captains Greg Chappell and Clive Lloyd.

“It’s a great feelingwhen your hard work is recognised. I struggled a bit initially but settled down later for a superb season,” Kallis said after accepting the award.

His captain Hansie Cronje was an equally happy man. “After a disappointing summer in England, we did a superb turnaround, courtsey our youngsters and won the mini-World Cup. From there on, it has been a continuous success story until the World Cup,” Cronje said.

“It’s pleasing to know our efforts as a team has been recognised,” the South African captain said.