Watson awarded ODI and T20 Player of the Year in Allan Border Medal 2012- Cricket News Update
Australian bowler, Shane Watson has been named as the ODI and T20 Player of the Year in the annual Allan Border Medal ceremony held at Melbourne’ s Crown Casino, on Monday, Feb 27, 2012.
The thirty-year-old all-rounder beat Mathew Wade to clinch the T20 title, after being tied at 5 votes each. According to the rules, both the players were then awarded points for the amount of runs, wickets, catches and run-out assists they executed throughout
the voting period, starting from Feb 06, 2011 till Feb 24, 2012.
During that time, Watson scored 119 runs, picked two wickets and took two catches, while Wade scored 115 with one catch and a run-out. The calculation of points took Watson to 179 points, leaving Wade behind on 135.
The right-handed batsman started his International career against South Africa in 2002 and has played 141 ODIs with a batting average of 42.72. In 25 T20s, Watto has taken 18 scalps, along with averaging 26.09 with the bat.
The player has been an integral part of the team over the past few years, and he was appointed the vice-captain in all formats of the game for Australia. He replaced the former dynamic all-rounder, Andrew Symonds, in the national team and has excelled in
both departments of the game. Along with his blistering batting antics, he remains a very useful bowler – capable enough to dismantle any batting attack.
This is the third time Shane has won the award at the prestigious ceremony. Prior to this, he scooped up three honours last year which included a second successive Allan Border Medal, along with being named as the best Australian Test and ODI player.
The Allan Border Medal award is considered as the most prestigious prize in Australian cricket - named after one of their greatest captain. The inaugural ceremony was held in 2000, and the awards are presented to the most inspiring players of the past 12-month
season across all formats.
Apart from Shane Watson, Rob Quiney, David Warner and Michael Clarke also remained prominent winners, taking home Australia’s Domestic Player of the Year, Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year and the coveted Allan Border Medal respectively.