Melbourne, Feb 3 (PTI): Star batter Travis Head has been honored with the prestigious Allan Border Medal, recognizing him as Australia’s top men’s cricketer, while young all-rounder Annabel Sutherland secured the Belinda Clark Medal at the Australian Cricket Awards held on Monday.
Head's Stellar Year Across Formats
Head, who had an outstanding year across all three formats, amassed 1,427 runs since the start of the polling period. With 208 votes, he edged out pacers Josh Hazlewood (158 votes) and Pat Cummins (147 votes) to claim the coveted award."Pretty hard to believe. It’s been a good year. Very pleased I've been able to fit in, do a role, and lucky I've been able to play all formats. It’s a nice accomplishment, and I’ll enjoy it," said Head in a recorded message from Galle.
The 31-year-old also claimed the Men’s ODI Player of the Year title despite playing just five of Australia’s 11 ODIs during the eligibility period. His 154 against England* at Trent Bridge was a standout moment, helping him beat Alex Carey, Steve Smith, and Xavier Bartlett for the award. He also finished second in both the Test and T20 Player of the Year categories.
Sutherland’s Breakthrough Year Recognized
For 23-year-old Annabel Sutherland, the Belinda Clark Medal marks her first Australian Cricket Award, coming just days after she became the first woman to score a Test century at the MCG.Sutherland’s performances included a brilliant 163 in the Ashes and an impressive 210 against South Africa at the WACA during the 12-month voting period. She secured 168 votes, surpassing Ashleigh Gardner (143 votes) and Beth Mooney (115 votes).
"Pretty surreal. To win an award named after Belinda Clark is pretty special," Sutherland expressed.
Hazlewood, Konstas, and Marsh Shine
Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood was named Men’s Test Player of the Year, earning his first Australian Cricket Award after picking up 30 wickets at an average of 13.16 against the West Indies, New Zealand, and India.Meanwhile, 19-year-old Sam Konstas was named Young Cricketer of the Year following his debut in the Boxing Day Test against India. Konstas scored 113 runs across two Tests, including a crucial 60 off 65 balls on debut, where he notably took on India's premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
During the award ceremony at Crown Casino, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh stole the show with a humorous anecdote about Bumrah.
"My little nephew, Ted, is four years old. We played backyard cricket the other day, and he came in with Bumrah’s action... and the nightmare continues," Marsh joked, leaving the audience in stitches.
Other Award Winners
- Women’s ODI Player of the Year – Ashleigh Gardner (385 runs, Australia’s leading run-scorer)
- Women’s T20 Player of the Year – Beth Mooney (618 runs, third-time winner)
- Men’s T20 Player of the Year – Adam Zampa (35 wickets in 21 T20Is, edged out Head by three votes)
- Community Impact Award – Cameron Green (raising awareness about kidney disease)
- Men’s Domestic Player of the Year – Beau Webster
- Women’s Domestic Player of the Year – Georgia Voll
- Young Women’s Cricketer of the Year – Chloe Ainsworth
- BBL Player of the Tournament – Glenn Maxwell and Cooper Connolly (joint winners)
- WBBL Player of the Tournament – Ellyse Perry and Jess Jonassen (joint winners)
Though the event was missing several stars due to the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka, the night was filled with laughter, celebration, and a tribute to the outstanding performances of the year.