Aussie Smith pinching himself after player award

Australia captain and batting supremo Steve Smith on Thursday admitted it has been "a hell of a ride" from his Test debut as a leg-spinner to be named ICC Cricketer of the Year.

The honor was bestowed on the 26-year-old late on Wednesday after finishing the year, which runs from September to September, as the leading Test runscorer with 1,734 from 25 innings, averaging 82.57.

He also became the second youngest player to reach the No 1 ranking for Test batsmen behind Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.