Mitch Marsh, the Australian allrounder, was once convinced that his career as an international cricketer was over. However, he has now been awarded the prestigious Allan Border medal.

The top player for Australian men’s cricket was announced as a 32-year-old at the yearly awards ceremony held on Wednesday evening at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.

Ash Gardner, the star allrounder, received the top honor in women’s cricket by winning her second Belinda Clark award in three years.

Following the confirmation of his comeback, Marsh delivered a humorous and heartfelt acceptance speech during his medal ceremony. He expressed gratitude to his wife, Greta, as well as the Australian captain, Pat Cummins, and coach, Andrew McDonald.

Marsh expressed that he frequently discussed with his spouse about …, but his emotions overwhelmed him as he shared, “I just wanted another chance at it, and it has been truly incredible. She provided me with the perspective on life that I was lacking.”

Marsh was the clear victor, receiving 79 more votes than Test and ODI captain Cummins in a poll conducted by players, umpires, and media members.

The West Australian received a boost by reclaiming his position in the Test team during the Ashes. He was also honored with the ODI player of the year title after his exceptional performance in Australia’s victorious World Cup campaign in India. Additionally, his contributions in T20s solidified his status as a versatile player across all three formats.

Marsh expressed his desire for his victory to not be compared to Covid in the future, saying, “I hope you don’t look back on this in three years and think, ‘That was a strange time.'” He now joins the ranks of other Australian cricket players such as Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith, and Cummins as a recipient of the Allan Border Medal.

A friend shared the list with me earlier today and I couldn’t help but think, if I win, it might seem strange.

During the voting period, Marsh tied with fellow World Cup hero Travis Head for the second-highest number of runs (1,638 at 58.5) scored by an Australian cricketer in Tests, ODIs, and T20s.

Marnus Labuschagne scored the highest number of runs (1,672 at an average of 40.78) among all players, including Marsh, who played six fewer matches.

Marsh became emotional when expressing gratitude to Cummins and McDonald for their faith in him.

“I may struggle with my weight and enjoy a good beer, but you always see the best in me. Your support and guidance have truly transformed my life,” he expressed gratefully. “Playing under your leadership, Patty, is a dream come true.”

Nathan Lyon, the star spinner, was unexpectedly awarded the Shane Warne men’s Test player of the year.

Lyon was unable to play the last three Ashes Tests due to a calf injury, but his exceptional displays in India resulted in him winning the red-ball award for the second time, the first being in 2019.

The T20 player of the year award was received by West Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff, bringing even more joy to the state’s residents.

Ellyse Perry, the allrounder for the women’s team, received awards for both ODI and T20, but Gardner narrowly beat her by 13 votes.

Gardner starred in Australia’s Test win during the multi-format Ashes in England and the spinner performed admirably in the red-ball defeat to India on a turning wicket in Mumbai.

Source: theguardian.com