Ponting wins AB Medal

Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, has won the Allan Border Medal for the second time in three years. The award is voted for by players, officials and the media, and is given to the best Australian cricketer for each year.

Ponting received 83 votes, runner-up Mike Hussey received 80, and 77 were given to third place Brett Lee. Hussey took home the One Day player of the year, after maintaing a three-figure average, while Shane Warne received the Test award. The One Day prize would have gone to Andrew Symonds, but he was deemed ineligible after his suspension in England.

Of his award, Ponting said: “This Australian cricket team is still the best cricket team in the world and as far as I’m concerned, the best sporting team in the world. For me to be the captain of that side is a great honour and a great thrill.”

State Player of the Year went to New South Wales opener Phil Jaques, while captain Karen Rolton scooped the women’s player of the year award for the fourth time in five years. Former captains Monty Noble and Bob Simpson were also welcomed into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame during the ceremony.