Cricketer of the Year Swann enjoying his innings in the sun

London, May 25 (ANI): England's Cricketer of the Year Graeme Swann is enjoying his innings in the after excelling on and off the field.

He received the award at a Lord's dinner on Monday night just hours after a reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, to mark their World Twenty20 triumph.

In the past 12 months, Swann has played 45 matches for England in all formats and taken 99 wickets.

He has been ranked the No 2 Test bowler in the world and also contributed impressively with the bat, The Sun reports.

"It's a fairytale, really. We've won the Ashes and the World Twenty20. I've been named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year and now this award. And, to cap it all, I was married to Sarah in January. I'm enjoying every second and hoping it doesn't end," he said.

"If you'd told me this three years ago that all this would happen, I'd have laughed at you.

"I've driven past Downing Street once or twice but never been inside. It's a building full of history and great leaders so it's nice to get inside and steal some design tips!" Swann said.

Meanwhile, Sussex batsman Ed Joyce has turned his back on England to resume his international career with his native Ireland.

Joyce, 31, played 50 times for Ireland between 1997 and 2005 before qualifying for England and making 17 one-day appearances.

Joyce said: "When I made the decision to make myself available for England, it was to try to play Test cricket. Now, as a born and bred Irishman, I feel I have a lot to offer Irish cricket." (ANI)