Mitchell Marsh Claims Allan Border Medal at 2024 Cricket Australia Awards Winners in Emotional Return to Cricketing Heights

Australian allrounder Mitch Marsh, once resigned to his international career being “done and dusted,” stunned even himself by capturing the prestigious Allan Border Medal on Wednesday night at Cricket Australia Awards.

The 32-year-old’s remarkable resurgence culminated in the men’s cricket’s highest honor at the annual awards ceremony at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne. In a deeply personal acceptance speech, Marsh paid tribute to those who saw potential when he himself doubted, notably wife Greta, captain Pat Cummins, and coach Andrew McDonald.

Fighting back tears, Marsh recalled, “I often spoke to my wife about… that I just wanted one more crack at it, and it’s been amazing. She gave me the perspective on life that I needed.”

His emotional victory was cemented by a dominant showing in the voting, finishing 79 points ahead of Cummins. The West Australian’s journey back to the top included regaining his Test spot during the Ashes, starring in Australia’s World Cup win, and showcasing his versatility across formats.

“I’m sort of hoping me winning this is not like Covid and you look back on it in three years’ time and go, ‘This was a weird time’,” quipped Marsh, now joining cricketing legends like Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke on the Allan Border medallist list.

His triumph came amidst a night celebrating cricketing excellence across genres. Star allrounder Ash Gardner claimed her second Belinda Clark Award in three years, dominating the women’s category.

Other notable winners included Nathan Lyon, regaining the Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year award despite missing Ashes Tests due to injury, and Usman Khawaja, recognized as the ICC Test cricketer of the year.

The night also saw wins for Jason Behrendorff as T20 Player of the Year and Ellyse Perry, who swept the women’s ODI and T20 awards, although Gardner claimed the coveted top honor.

For Mitch Marsh, however, the Allan Border Medal wasn’t just an award; it was a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of second chances. His emotional journey from self-doubt to the pinnacle of Australian cricket resonated with the entire cricketing community, making his victory a truly special moment.

CRICKET AUSTRALIA AWARDS WINNERS LIST

-Belinda Clark Award: Ashleigh Gardner (147 votes)

2nd: Ellyse Perry (134)

3rd: Annabel Sutherland (106)

Allan Border Medal: Mitchell Marsh (223 votes)

Pat Cummins (144)

Steven Smith (141)

Women’s ODI Player of the Year: Ellyse Perry

-Women’s T20I Player of the Year: Ellyse Perry

Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year: Nathan Lyon

-Men’s ODI Player of the Year: Mitchell Marsh

Men’s T20I Player of the Year: Jason Behrendorff

-Women’s Domestic Player of the Year: Sophie Day, Elyse Villani (tied)

Men’s Domestic Player of the Year: Cameron Bancroft

Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year: Emma De Brough

-Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year: Fergus O’Neille