PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Retired West Indies batting star Brian Lara was presented with an Honorary Order of Australia Award by the Australian government during a special ceremony on Sunday.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in Trinidad for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, pinned the medal on Lara’s jacket in recognition of his service to the sport of cricket and as an advocate of development of the sport.

The ceremony took place at the official residence of the Australian High Commissioner, Philip Kentwell, in Cascade.

Lara, 40, is now an honorary member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Rudd said Australia and the Caribbean share a long history and noted that Lara continued to play a role in cricket as mentor.

Lara is a regular visitor to the Australian Institute of Sport, where he works with young cricketers.

Rudd noted the maiden century by Adrian Barath in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane.

He said Lara spotted Barath at age 11 and has played a role in his development.

Lara was a hero to many Australians, Rudd said, and he added that his name along with other West Indians such as Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd and Joel Garner were as well known as Australian giants Sir Don Bradman, Dennis Lillee and Rodney Marsh.

Rudd made everyone laugh, when in outlining Lara’s many records including his still standing highest first-class innings of 501 not out.

“That is considerable in excess of my personal best of 11 not out.”

In accepting the award, Lara revealed how he got the nickname “The Prince of Port-of-Spain”.

He said back in 1990 when the Australians came to the West Indies, he was 12th man and not really involved in playing in the series. So too were Australian players Greg Matthews and Mike Whitney.

“And I showed them the nightlife in Port-of-Spain. And that is how I got the name Prince of Port-of-Spain,”

he said.

“Today, I know my two friends in Australia will be very proud along with Shane Warne, Michael Clarke… and all my friends and family

in Australia.”

He said he had every reason to love Australia, since he scored his first Test hundred (277) at Sydney.

Lara said he fought with Sydney’s mother Leasel Rovedas a bit before she gave in to her daughter’s name.

He said he had fierce competition with the Australian team. He quipped, “Yes, I love English bowling, we know that.” No doubt referring to the two times he broke the world record for the highest Test innings against England.

“The competition offered by Australia, throughout my career was tremendous and something I looked forward to,” Lara said.

Lara retired from international cricket in April 2007 after 131 Test matches, scoring 11,953 runs including a world record highest score of 400 not out against England in April 2004.