Watch: Mitchell Marsh gets emotional during Allan Border medal acceptance speech

Australia allrounder Mitchell Marsh has been named the Allan Border Medalist at the 2024 Australian Cricket Awards. Marsh became the first all-rounder to claim the prestigious award in more than a decade, with Shane Watson the last player to win it back in 2011.

Marsh was visibly emotional while giving his acceptance speech as he thanked his wife Greta, Australia captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. "I'm a bit fat at times and I love a beer but you see the best in me always and you've changed my life. For your support and your leadership, Patty, playing under you is a dream,” Marsh said.

“My Mum and sister are amazing. My sister is probably my biggest supporter and anyone who has sprayed me on social media, she will get you at some stage. Greta is an amazing human, I said in my wedding vows eight months ago she gave me the perspective on life I needed and our life is a lot of fun. If I get a duck, or get a hundred, she’s always the same,” he added.

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Marsh polled 223 votes, placing him well ahead of second-placed Cummins with 144. Former Aussie captain Steven Smith occupied the third spot. Making a comeback in Test cricket in four years, Marsh produced a sensational ton against England in 2023. Having been recalled in Test cricket at Headingley, Marsh pulled off a run-a-ball 118.

Marsh carried forward his brilliance and went on to score over fifty in half of his next 10 Test innings. This also included vital knocks against Pakistan in the Test series. The 32-year-old even played a key role in Australia’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign in India last year. Marsh registered 441 runs during the ODI World Cup. His brilliant run at the World Cup included a phenomenal knock of 177 not out against Bangladesh.

During the voting period—running from January 22, 2023 to January 9, 2024—Marsh notched 594 runs in six Tests. In the 50-over format, Marsh bagged 858 runs with a strike rate of 113.94.

Meanwhile, Ashleigh Gardner claimed the Belinda Clark Award for having a stupendous year. Gardner won this award for the second time having previously claimed it in 2022.