Canberra: Senior pacer Mitchell Starc received the first Allan Border Medal at the Cricket Australia Awards while Ashleigh Gardner became the first indigenous cricketer to win the Belinda Clark Award. Starc was given the award for his outstanding performance in all three formats. He is the fifth bowler to win this award in 22 years.
Gardner also won the award for the first time. She is the first indigenous player to win the highest award in Australian women’s cricket. Gardner said, “I never thought I would win this award. I was shocked when it was announced.” “I am still shocked,” he said. Being the first indigenous player to get this award is a big deal not only for me but for my family and society.
The award was selected through a voting process for 2021.22. Players, umpires and media representatives voted for this throughout the year. The announcement was made during the luncheon in the Women’s Ashes Test here. In the men’s section, Starc defeated Mitchell Marsh by one vote. Starc took 43 wickets in all three formats throughout the year.
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He said, “I don’t know what to say. This is a big surprise. I am overwhelmed after seeing the list of those who have won earlier. I feel very proud.” Starc was also adjudged the ODI Cricketer of the Year. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath are among the fast bowlers who have received this award in the last 22 years before him.
Star wicket-keeper batsman Alyssa Healy received the ODI Cricketer of the Year award for the third time. Marsh was adjudged the best T20 cricketer who scored 627 runs in 21 ODIs. He got 53 votes while pacer Josh Hazlewood got 29 and Ashton Agar got 26 votes. Beth Mooney was voted the best T20 cricketer for the second year in a row. Travis Head was adjudged the best Test cricketer who scored two centuries in the Ashes series. He also became the best domestic cricketer. (agency)