‘He is a much better and improved player now’ – Fans react as Mitchell Marsh wins Allan Border Medal in Australian Awards 2024

Mitchell Marsh, the Australian all-rounder, won the Allan Border Medal in the Australian Awards 2024. He surpassed his World Cup-winning captain and teammate Pat Cummins, to win the prestigious Medal. The award was decided by a voting system that takes player, media and umpire votes across all three formats. Marsh got 223 votes, which was 79 more than Cummins. Unfortunately, he finished second with 144 votes. Similarly, Steve Smith finished a close third with 141 votes to his name.

After winning the award, Marsh said, “It’s obviously a huge honour. Cameron Green is a pretty imposing figure so I thought I was done and dusted,” Marsh said, choking back tears. I spoke to my wife often about wanting to get one more crack at it, and it’s been amazing. I’m extremely thankful. I have a beautiful family, they’ve been so supportive. There’s no doubt over the last 12-18 months, I’ve felt a lot of love. One of my friends sent me the list today … I can’t believe it.”

After Shane Watson, Marsh becomes the first all-rounder since 2011 to have won this award. This was one of the best years for Marsh as he had a successful World Cup campaign along with other series and tournaments. In the Ashes, he has four fifties and one century. Moreover, in the ODI World Cup 2023, he scored two centuries. He was one of the main components of Australia’s victorious team.

Australia lost their second Test match against West Indies at Gabba

West Indies have created history after beating Australia in the second Test match at Gabba. They won their first Test match in Australia after 27 years and also broke the streak of beating Australia in Test cricket after 21 years. In an iconic Test match at Gabba, West Indies batted first and put up a good score on the board. Moreover, the Aussies, without taking a lead, declared their inning. This gave the visitors some extra runs on the board which helped them later.

Apart from this, Mitchell Starch injured Shamar Joseph while he was batting, which reduced the West Indies team to just 10 batters. Later, while Australia came to chase, Joseph, with an injured foot, came to bowl. With his astounding bowling, he took seven wickets and wiped off the host’s dream of winning the match and the series. With the win, the series ended in a draw, 1-1.

Look at how the fans have reacted:

Tears of triumph! Mitchell Marsh's Allan Border Medal acceptance speech was pure emotion. From past struggles to present glory, his journey inspires us all. He's back & better than ever, proving never to count the Marshman out! #NeverGiveUp #ABMedal

— ✌MR✌KHAN✌ (@Abdul_Jabbar001) January 31, 2024

Very emotional
You have done quite a hard work to overcome this..

— The Cricket Analyst (@Wing1653725) January 31, 2024

Mitchell Marsh is much better and improved player now

— Zohaib 2.0 (@zohaib_vibes) January 31, 2024

https://twitter.com/Aafaqahmad56/status/1752631423855374716

https://twitter.com/rushiii_12/status/1752631331111272873

Shame on BCCI they not organised this type of awards show when all cricketers are present

— DEFINITELY NOT (@DEFINITELY_NO7) January 31, 2024

Mitchell marsh is a very good player 🔥🔥

— Aqib Javed 🇵🇰 (@Aqibjavedone) January 31, 2024