Warner wins Allan Border Medal for second year in succession

David Warner, the Australia cricket team opener, has been named the country’s best cricketer of the year, securing the Allan Border medal for the second year in succession. He joined an exclusive list of Australian cricketers who have won the medal more than once, becoming only the fourth player to do so.

Ricky Ponting won the medal in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2009, Michael Clarke in 2005, 2009, 2012 and 2013, while Shane Watson was the Allan Border medallist in 2010 and 2011.

“Thanks to my team-mates and Steve Smith without you all I wouldn’t be here, as it’s a team game,” said an elated Warner. “To the fans: we love the support you give, we love entertaining you and I think the game’s in a great state at the moment. Thanks, too, to the past players as we wouldn’t be able to live the dream without what you did before us. To my family, they’ve always supported me 100 per cent, and my wife and two children are my rock,” he said.