Australian skipper Steve Smith wins Allan Border Medal
Having played a smashing season of cricket in 2017, Australian skipper Steve Smith capped off his achievements by winning the prestigious Allan Border Medal for the second time in his career. Smith had been the recipient of Australian Cricket's highest individual honour once before in 2015, thus joining the ranks of Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, and David Warner as multiple-time winner.
Allan Border Medal for outstanding cricketer
Named after former Australian skipper, Allan Border Medal is the most prestigious individual honour in Australian cricket. It recognizes the most outstanding cricketer from the past year after a voting done by peers, umpires, and the media.
Smith also crowned the Test Player of the Year
In the light of his Test cricket's achievements last year, which include captaining the team to a 4-0 Ashes win, Steve Smith was named Australia's "Test Player of the Year." He was also ICC's Test Player of the Year. Over last year, Smith played 11 Tests at an average of 76.76, scoring 1,305 runs which includes 6 centuries and a highest score of 239.
On scoring hundred in India
Emphasizing that he doesn't play for awards but to help the team win, Smith reminisced his performance against India in India. He said, "I'm proud of the way I've accomplished a few things, scoring a 2nd innings hundred in India against some quality spinners gave incredible confidence to know that I can do that against anyone."
Other award winners
Others who won the Australia Cricket awards include David Warner for ODI Player of the Year, and Aaron Finch for T20 Player of the Year.
