Mitchell Starc, Ashleigh Gardner win top recognition during Australian Cricket Awards

The highly-anticipated and prestigious Australian Cricket Awards were held on Saturday. Australian seamer Mitchell Starc and women’s all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner have won the top honour at the event. While Starc was presented with the Allan Border Medal, Ashleigh was conferred with the Belinda Clark Medal.

Both happen to be the recipients of the awards for the first time in their careers. Starc had an exceptional 2021, claiming 43 wickets at an average of 24.4 across formats. He has also been adjudged the Male ODI Player of the Year. He outvoted Mitchell Marsh by a vote to bag the honour, while Travis Head was third.

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“I’m not really sure what words to say at the moment. It was a huge surprise. To look at some of those names who have won it before, it’ll take a bit to sink in. Hugely honoured to receive this award,” Starc was quoted as saying to Channel 7. Below is the list of complete winners of individual awards.

Belinda Clark Award – Ashleigh Gardner
Allan Border Medal – Mitchell Starc
Female ODI Player of the Year – Alyssa Healy
Female T20I Player of the Year – Beth Mooney
Male Test Player of the Year – Travis Head
Male ODI Player of the Year – Mitchell Starc
Male T20I Player of the Year – Mitchell Marsh
Female Domestic Player of the Year – Elyse Villani 
Male Domestic Player of the Year – Travis Head 
Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year – Darcie Brown
Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year – Tim Ward 
Community Champion Award – Zoe Cooke
Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees – Raelee Thompson and Justin Langer