Sri Lanka's [Images] Mahela Jayawardene [Images] 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 [Images], India's Rahul Dravid [Images] and England's [Images] Michael Vaughan [Images] to win the award, introduced this year only.

Australia's captain Karen Rolton was voted the women's Player of the Year while Simon Taufel won the Umpire of the Year award for the third successive year.

India's Rahul Dravid was named captain of ICC's [Images] Test team of the year.

- 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.

"I am still a bit shocked. I was just thrilled to be nominated; after all, it's just been around six to eight months that I took the reins of the team. I am really thrilled to win," said Jayawardene after wining the award.

"I must say the other competitors were also good. You had Michael Vaughan, who has had a terrific Ashes series. Then you had Ricky Ponting, who has been so consistent, and also Rahul Dravid; so it's great to win this award.

"This award means the team has done well. As you all know, the captain is as good as his team. The whole team deserves this award, they have worked very hard.

"I am still a stand-in captain. Hopefully Marvan Atapattu can regain his full fitness and take over as captain."

Jayawardene went on to add that his favourite captain is Arjuna Ranatunga, who led Sri Lanka to the 1996 World Cup title.

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.