Australian Cricket Awards: The thunderous applause echoed as Mitchell Marsh hoisted the Allan Border Medal, etching his name in history as the 2023 Men’s Player of the Year. It was a fitting climax to a night of celebration, recognizing the extraordinary feats of athletes across all forms of Australian cricket.
So, let’s raise a virtual bat and cheer for the champions who shone brightest under the spotlight.
Dominant Force: Mitchell Marsh and Ash Gardner Take Top Honors
Marsh’s all-around prowess was undeniable. With over 1,000 runs and 50 wickets across formats, he was the architect of key victories in the Ashes and World Cup. Ash Gardner, the rising star of women’s cricket, mirrored this dominance, earning the Belinda Clark Award for her electrifying performances with both bat and ball. With this medal Gardner earned her second Belinda Clark Award in three years.
Perry’s Double Delight and Lyon’s Spin Prowess
Ellyse Perry, the indomitable all-rounder, cemented her legacy by bagging the Women’s ODI and T20I Player of the Year awards. Nathan Lyon, the master of spin, earned the Shane Warne Men’s Test Player of the Year title, his 60 wickets in just 10 Tests speaking volumes about his unwavering skill.
Beyond the Big Titles: Recognizing Excellence in Every Sphere
But the night wasn’t just about the headline awards. Jason Behrendorff’s lethal swing bowling earned him the Men’s T20I Player of the Year trophy, while Chamari Athapaththu and Matthew Short reigned supreme in the WBBL and BBL with Player of the Tournament accolades. Sophie Day and Elyse Villani shared the Women’s Domestic Player of the Year award, showcasing the depth of talent at home. Cameron Bancroft’s stellar comeback, with over 1,000 runs and the Sheffield Shield Final MVP title, was a testament to his resilience.
Investing in the Future: Young Guns on the Rise
Emma De Broughe and Fergus O’Neill, promising young talents, were crowned Betty Wilson and Bradman Young Cricketers of the Year respectively. Their passion and skill give us a glimpse of a bright future for Australian cricket.
Making a Difference: Recognizing Impact Beyond the Pitch
Ashleigh Gardner’s dedication to community engagement earned her the Community Impact Award, highlighting the importance of using cricket as a platform for positive change. Taj Bower, recognized as the Woolworths Cricket Blaster of the Year, epitomizes the grassroots spirit that keeps the game alive and thriving.
Legends Immortalized: Hussey and Larsen Join the Cricket Hall of Fame
The night saw two cricketing giants, Michael Hussey and Lyn Larsen, inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. Their outstanding contributions, both on and off the field, serve as an inspiration to aspiring generations.
Full List of Australian Cricket Awards.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Allan Border Medal | Mitchell Marsh |
| Belinda Clark Award | Ash Gardner |
| Women’s ODI Player of the Year | Ellyse Perry |
| Women’s T20I Player of the Year | Ellyse Perry |
| Men’s ODI Player of the Year | Mitchell Marsh |
| Men’s T20I Player of the Year | Jason Behrendorff |
| Weber WBBL | Chamari Athapaththu |
| KFC BBL | Matthew Short |
| Men’s Domestic Player of the Year | Cameron Bancroft |
| Women’s Domestic Player of the Year | Sophie Day and Elyse Villani |
| Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year | Emma De Broughe |
| Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year | Fergus O’Neill |
| Community Impact Award | Ashleigh Gardner |
| Woolworths Cricket Blaster of the Year | Taj Bower |
| Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees | Michael Hussey and Lyn Larsen |
The 2023 Australian Cricket Awards were a testament to the enduring power of the sport. From established stars to rising talents, each winner showcased the skill, passion, and commitment that make Australian cricket a national treasure. As the applause fades and the lights dim, we carry with us the inspiration of these champions, eager to see what the next season holds for the cricketing landscape of Australia.
