Mitchell Marsh won the Allan Border Medal today (January 31) and gave an emotional speech following the honour, especially singling out Australia skipper Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald for effusive praise.
Marsh won the prestigious Best Male Cricketer award at the 2023 Australian Cricket Awards on Wednesday night. The winner will be announced after voting by teammates, media, and referees. Marsh defeated Cummins by his 223 votes to win the medal.
The all-rounder averaged 67.50 in Tests last year, scoring a ton and four fifties. He also scored 858 runs in ODIs, including two in Australia’s World Cup campaign. Marsh also played in his three T20Is where he scored 186 and took a total of six wickets across all formats.
Receiving this award for the first time, he stood on stage with tears in his eyes and expressed his gratitude to his captain and coach for their trust in him. “To my teammates: I absolutely love playing for this team and have had so much fun over the last 12-18 months. I’m proud of that. Everyone knows that I love to have a good time, and it’s always better when you keep winning, so it was a lot of fun.
“I especially want to thank Ronnie (Andrew MacDonald) and Patty (Pat Cummins) for believing in me and believing in me, even though I don’t really know why it happened. I can’t thank you enough for what you gave me.”
Marsh’s honesty caused a roar in the room when Cummins was seen wiping tears from his face. “I may be fat sometimes and I love beer, but you always see the best in me.” You changed my life. Thank you for your support and guidance. It was an absolute dream to play for you (Cummins), thank you so much. ”
Marsh also thanked his family and his brother Sean, who won the Men’s National Player of the Year award in 2020 and 2021.
Watch his acceptance speech here:
“I’m a bit fat at times and I love a beer…”
Mitch Marsh’s acceptance speech was tough. #AusCricketAwards Image. twitter.com/E98c88wU4j
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 31. 2024 年 1 月
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