“I’m a bit fat at times and I love a beer, but you see the best in me always.Playing under you has been an absolute dream,” Marsh thanked Cummins in his acceptance speech.
Marsh also expressed his deep love for representing the national team, emphasising the pride and honour he feels wearing the Australian colors.
Reflecting on the past 12–18 months, he noted the challenges and triumphs, making the award even more meaningful. The emotional moment marked a culmination of hard work, dedication, and the support of his teammates and coaching staff.
“To my teammates. I just love playing in this team. I have had so much fun in the last 12-18 months. We have had so much team success and I am proud to contribute to that over this period of time. I would particularly like to thank Ronny (Andrew McDonald) and Patty (Pat Cummins). You believed in me and I can’t thank you enough for believing in me,” said Marsh.
Marsh made a return to the Test format in the Ashes 2023 at Headingley and scored a run-a-ball 118. The right-handed batter went on to score 441 runs with an average of 49 during last year’s ODI World Cup, which also included a 177* against Bangladesh.
“Greta is an amazing human, I said in my wedding vows eight months ago. She gave me the perspective on life I needed, and our life is a lot of fun. If I get a duck, or get a hundred, she’s always the same,” Marsh said.
“I often spoke to my wife about… that I just wanted to get one more crack at it, and it’s been amazing. She gave me the perspective on life that I needed,” Marsh added.
The 32-year-old scored 594 runs in six Tests at an average of 66. In ODIs, he amassed 858 runs at an average of 47.66 and had a strike rate of 113.94.
He also enjoyed a prolific T20I series against South Africa in which he struck 92* and 79* in three innings.
Steve Smith and Cummins were the other two nominees, Marsh trumped his counterparts by a significant margin to become the 1st Australian all-rounder in 10 years to win the Allan Border Medal.
(With ANI inputs)
