MOEEN Ali has hailed being named as one of Wisden's five Cricketers Of The Year as"one of my biggest awards" and is delighted to follow in the footsteps of legends such as Kumar Sangakkara - one of his major batting influences - and Sachin Tendulkar.

The Worcestershire and England all-rounder enjoyed a memorable 12 months after making his full international breakthrough last February during the tour of the West Indies.

The 27-year-old, who is also pictured on the front cover of Wisden, has become a regular member of the England side in all formats of the game.

He scored his maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka at Headingley, filled the spinning role vacated by Graeme Swann in the series win over India, and scored ODI hundreds against Sri Lanka and then, in the World Cup, against Scotland.

Moeen also averaged over 60 with the bat in eight LV = County Championship appearances for Worcestershire and helped them gain promotion to Divison One.

Yorkshire batting duo Gary Ballance and Adam Lyth, Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Matthews and Warwickshire spinner Jeetan Patel were the other Cricketers Of The Year chosen by Wisden editor Lawrence Booth.

Moeen said: "I'm very, very happy. I see it as one of my biggest awards. It's a once in a lifetime award, and with the names I've seen who have won it and to be on the front cover, is huge for me and my family.

"It's been a great year, the best time cricketing-wise of my life. Just to be playing for England for a year, I'm very pleased.

"To get that award after one season is a great achievement."