Cricket's Cook among British sportspeople in Queen's honors

LONDON (AP) England cricket captain Alastair Cook led British sportsmen and women in the Queen's birthday honors list on Friday.

Cook was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to cricket, nearly five years after he became a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his performance in the 2010-11 Ashes.

Last month, Cook became the youngest player at 31, and first Englishman, to reach 10,000 test runs. In the last year, Cook led England as it regained the Ashes and beat South Africa in South Africa, a defeat that cost it its No. 1 ranking.

Cook's team mate, fast bowler Stuart Broad, also received an MBE for his services to cricket.

Nigel Owens received an MBE for services to sport, a day before the Welshman will become the world's most capped rugby referee when he takes charge of his 71st test between Fiji and Tonga in Suva. Owens also officiated the Rugby World Cup final last October.

Other MBEs were awarded to Jamie Murray, the younger brother of Andy, who helped Britain win the Davis Cup last year; Leon Smith, the coach of that Britain team; and Richard Driscoll, a doping control officer in the U.K. for 26 years.

Recipients of the Officers of the Order of the British Empire included Claire Williams, the deputy team principal of Formula One's Williams Martini Racing, and Dennis Gethin, the Welsh Rugby Union president.

Also, former England and Newcastle football captain Alan Shearer, made an OBE in 2001, received a CBE for his charitable services.