MUMBAI: Australian cricketer Shane Warne who is considered by some to be the best leg spinner of all time has been awarded the accolade of BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year 2005.

At the awards show which aired a few nights ago on BBC One, Warne received the award live from Australia. It was presented by Richie Benaud.

Warne's contribution to cricket ensured he was the final choice of the judging panel, which included journalists and former sporting heroes.

He was up against strong competition which included FI's Fernando Alonso, cycling champion Lance Armstrong, tennis maestro Roger Federer, Justin Gatlin and Valentino Rossi.

Warne said, "I am very proud of this achievement and am delighted to receive this award and follow a long line of distinguished previous recipients. I really enjoyed the Ashes and look forward to seeing everyone next summer."