Retired West Indies batting star Brian Lara was presented with an Honorary Order of Australia Award by the Australian government during a special ceremony on Sunday.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in Trinidad for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, pinned the medal on Lara's jacket in recognition of his service to the sport of cricket and as an advocate for the development of the sport.

The ceremony took place at the official residence of the Australian High Commissioner, Philip Kentwell, in Cascade.

Lara, 40, is now an Honorary Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Lara is a regular visitor to the Australian Institute of Sport, where he works with young cricketers.

Lara's records

Rudd made everyone laugh, outlining Lara's many records, including his still standing highest first-class innings of 501 not out.

"That is considerable in excess of my personal best of 11 not out."

In accepting the award, Lara revealed how he got the nickname 'The Prince of Port-of-Spain".

He said back in 1990 when the Australians came to the West Indies, he was 12th man and not really involved in playing in the series. So too were Australian players Greg Matthews and Mike Whitney.

"And I showed them the nightlife in Port-of-Spain. And that is how I got the name Prince of Port-of-Spain," he said. "Today, I know my two friends in Australia will be very proud along with Shane Warne, Michael Clarke ... and all my friends and family in Australia."