England Ashes star awarded Freedom of London

London:

Alastair Cook has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London following his exploits in England's Ashes win over Australia.

The ancient honor is given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to London life or to reward a significant achievement, and has previously been awarded to England Test captain Andrew Strauss.

Cook says "I am greatly honored and privileged to be given the Freedom of London for doing something I love ... beating the Aussies."

The award was first bestowed in 1237 and originally gave recipients special privileges, such as avoiding arrest if found intoxicated by police. Nowadays, it is a more symbolic gesture.

The Essex batsman was named man of the series in the Ashes after scoring 766 runs in five Tests.