Steven Smith wins Allan Border Medal in recognition of outstanding last 12 months
Australian batsman Steven Smith was awarded the Allan Border Medal on Tuesday in recognition of the outstanding time he has had over the last 12 months. During the Allan Border Medal ceremony held at Carriageworks in Sydney, the 25-year-old also won the Test and ODI Player of the Year.
Smith amassed 1146 runs in 9 Tests in 2014 at an average of 81.85 with 5 centuries and 4 half-centuries. He had a particularly good time with the bat against India in the recently concluded Test series, where he scored 769 runs in 4 Tests, including a century in each of the matches, at an average of 128.16. He was also one of the rare shining lights for his country during their 2-0 loss against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last October, scoring 174 runs in the 2 Tests at an average of 43.50 with 2 half-centuries.
After Michael Clarke was ruled out of the final three Tests of the series against India, Smith was made the stand-in captain and responded to that decision by scoring a ton at Brisbane and leading his side to a 4-wicket win.
Smith’s performances haven't been prolific just in the longer format of the game, with him having been equally consistent in coloured clothing as well, scoring 541 runs in 12 ODIs at an average of 49.18 with 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries. He helped Australia win an ODI against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in November, scoring a 112-ball 104, which helped his side recover from being 98 for 5 at one stage to eventually win the game by 3 wickets.
Have had an incredible 12-18 months: Smith
Smith said that he had thoroughly enjoyed the last 12-18 months of his career and beating South Africa away from home last year was an amazing feeling.
"I've just really enjoyed the last 12 to 18 months,” the right-hander said.
"And seeing some of those highlights, particularly the South Africa to win over here and beat the number one Test team in the world in their own backyard was amazing,” he added.
Well done, @stevesmith49! Test Player of the Year, ODI Player of the Year and #ABMedal winner: http://t.co/4deEYwEcTE pic.twitter.com/RIv3JcllXN
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 27, 2015
Initially starting off as a leg-spinner, the man from Sydney has made giant strides in international cricket after a slow beginning and is now making the most of his opportunities. He has already scored 11 international centuries and if he continues playing the way he is right now, that tally could rise rapidly.
Among the other winners, Glenn Maxwell won the T20I Player of the Year while Sean Abbott was awarded the Young Cricketer of the Year award. Jason Behrendorff won the award for the Domestic Player of the Year while Meg Lanning won the Belinda Clark award.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Allan Border Medal | Steven Smith |
| Test Player of the Year | Steven Smith |
| ODI Player of the Year | Steven Smith |
| T20I Player of the Year | Glenn Maxwell |
| Domestic Player of the Year | Jason Behrendorff |
| Young Cricketer of the Year | Sean Abbott |
| Belinda Clark Award | Meg Lanning |