Steve Smith has won the 2023 Allan Border Medal, becoming just the third Australian cricketer to win the coveted prize on four occasions.
The New South Welshman enjoyed a prolific 12 months in the Test arena, plundering 863 runs at 71.92 including three centuries.
After scoring a classy century on a turning wicket against Sri Lanka in Galle, Smith returned home to plunder an unbeaten 200 not out against the West Indies in Perth.
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The 33-year-old was also impressive in the ODI format, scoring 539 runs at 67.37 in 11 matches, the highlight being his 105 against New Zealand in Cairns.
Smith, who received 171 votes, narrowly trumped teammates Travis Head (144 votes) and David Warner (141 votes) for the prize.
He joins former Australian captains Ricky Ponting and Michael as the only cricketers with four Allan Border Medals, having previously won the prize in 2015, 2018 and 2021.
“It’s very humbling, it makes me feel quite old,” Smith told reporters after the ceremony.
“I certainly don’t play the game for these reasons. I play to be the best player I can be and help my team have success, whether I’m playing for Australia or New South Wales or the Sixers.
“I hope there’s more to come, that’s what I strive for every day … hopefully I can keep getting better and better.”
Allan Border Medal Winners
2000 – Glenn McGrath
2001 – Steve Waugh
2002 – Matthew Hayden
2003 – Adam Gilchrist
2004 – Ricky Ponting
2005 – Michael Clarke
2006 – Ricky Ponting
2007 – Ricky Ponting
2008 -Brett Lee
2009 – Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke
2010 – Shane Watson
2011 – Shane Watson
2012 – Michael Clarke
2013 – Michael Clarke
2014 – Mitchell Johnson
2015- Steve Smith
2016 – David Warner
2017 – David Warner
2018 – Steve Smith
2019: – Pat Cummins
2020 – David Warner
2021 – Steve Smith
2022 – Mitchell Starc
