Cricket was among more than a dozen sports represented in the list with the highest award going to Formula One's Frank Williams, who received a knighthood.

Regarded as the best England fast bowler of his generation after his 54 wickets in 12 Tests against West Indies, South Africa and Sri Lanka prior to the Ashes tour, Fraser admitted yesterday that this latest honour had gone some way to making up for what has so far - been a disappointing trip Down Under.

Fraser said: ``I was having a good year until I arrived in Australia but things haven't gone as well as I hoped they would. I was hoping to make more of a contribution here but getting the MBE makes up for that.''

The work of Arthur Owers also was recognised with an MBE.