England captain Andrew Strauss, who began his cricketing career in Oxfordshire, received his OBE from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.
South African-born Strauss, who has an English mother, was awarded the honour for leading the side to a famous Ashes series win last winter – their first in Australia for 24 years.
He described the feat as a bit like the holy grail.
England have gone on to reach greater heights with Strauss at the helm, becoming the No 1 Test side after beating India during the summer.
Strauss, 34, who was educated at Radley College and played for Oxfordshire Colts and Oxfordshire before turning professional with Middlesex, said: “The Princess Royal was talking about how busy the season is these days.
“It was a great honour to meet her.”
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