Former Australian captain Allan Border reveals battle with Parkinson's disease
In a shocking revelation, former Australian captain Allan Border has opened up about his Parkinson's disease, a rare disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. He was diagnosed with the disease back in 2016. Border, who will turn 68 on July 27, also stated that it will be a miracle if he survives till the age of 80. Here are further details.
Why does this story matter?
Border is one of the most successful captains and batters in the history of the game and his records are a testimony of his abilities. The veteran was the first player in history to complete 11,000 runs in Test cricket. He even guided Australia to their maiden ODI World Cup title in 1987. Post-retirement, he has been an active commentator and analyst.
What did Border say?
"I walked into the neurosurgeon's and he said straight up, 'I'm sorry to tell you but you've got Parkinson's'," Border told Newscorp. "Just the way you walked in. Your arms straight down by your side, hanging not swinging." "I'm a pretty private person and I didn't want people to feel sorry for me sort of thing," he added further.
A look at Border's international numbers
Border represented Australia between 1979 and 994, playing 156 Tests - 93 as captain. He finished his Test career with 11,174 runs at 50.56 with the help of 27 tons and 63 fifties. In 273 ODIs, he returned with 6,524 runs at 30.62 (50s: 39, 100s: 3). His tally of 32 Test wins as captain is still the third-most for an Australian.
Mitchell Starc saddened by the news
Needless to mention, the sensational revelation took the cricket world by storm. Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc, who is currently featuring in the second Ashes Test at Lord's, was saddened by the news. "It's sad to hear one of the greats of Australian cricket and certainly a big character in the world of cricket," he told cricket.com.au. "All wishes go out to his family."
Border's frank views on future
Meanwhile, Border has stated that he is not worried about the future. "I get the feeling I'm a hell of a lot better off than most. At the moment I'm not scared, not about the immediate future anyway." He also revealed that one of his doctor friends told him that it will be a miracle if the Aussie talisman sees his 80th birthday.
