Ponting Wins Allan Border Medal
Friday, February 13 2004
In summary of the year that was in Australian cricket, Ricky Ponting has been awarded the Allan Border Medal to confirm his status as Australia's best-performed cricketer of 2003-04 cricketing year.
Ponting, entering the evening a heavy favourite, eventually won the award with 139 cumulative votes from the players, umpires and media alike.
His 139 votes polled well ahead of runner up Matthew Hayden, the 2001-02 medallist, who tallied 91 votes.
Ponting, in addition to the main award, was named Test Player of the Year following a stellar 12 months against the West Indies, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and India.
He finished clear of Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer and Steve Waugh for the award.
Last year's Allan Border medallist Adam Gilchrist finished the evening as One-Day Player of the Year ahead of Ponting, Brett Lee and Andrew Symonds.
For Symonds to feature in the voting is a remarkable achievement.
Prior to the World Cup he was a compulsive under-achiever whose selection baffled all pundits. To sit so highly in the final voting shows testament to his turnaround.
Simon Katich was awarded the domestic player of the year award following a brilliant summer ahead of Chris Rogers, Brad Hodge and David Hussey.
South Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait was named as Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year following his deeds for the state and Australia 'A'.
Cathryn Fitzpatrick was named Women's Cricket of the Year.
The evening revisited the lowest ebb of Australia cricket in the last 12 months, where Australia Idol runner-up Shannon Noll sung in the memory of the late David Hookes.
In a distressing moment, the camera focused on the distraught Darren Lehmann, one of many shedding tears for the loss of a mate.
Off-spinner Hugh Trumble and celebrated all-rounder Alan Davidson were added to the Australian cricket hall of fame for their respective roles in cricketing folk law.
In summary:
Test Player of the Year: Ricky Ponting
ODI Player of the Year: Adam Gilchrist
State Player of the Year: Simon Katich
Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year: Shaun Tait
Women's Cricketer of the year: Cathryn Fitzpatrick
Hall of Fame Inductees: Hugh Trumble, Alan Davidson.
Final Points Tally:
139 - Ricky Ponting
91 - Matthew Hayden
70 - Adam Gilchrist
58 - Brett Lee
58 - Darren Lehmann.
Allan Border Medallist (Australian Cricketer of the Year): Ricky Ponting.
Posted by Andre
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