And Australian Cricketer Of The Year Award Goes To… No, It’s Not Steve Smith

Australia opening batsman David Warner on Monday won the Australian Cricketer of the Year Award. Warner was awarded his third Allan Border Medal at the Australian Cricket Awards at Melbourne. The dashing Australian opener won the prestigious medal by defeating Steve Smith by one vote. Fast bowler Pat Cummins, who won the medal last year, came third.

Considering his stunning return to the game following a year's suspension because of the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, an emotional Warner held back tears during his acceptance speech. "I couldn't be any prouder to stand here and receive the award ... (and) to see the rest of the other guys doing so well," Warner said, according to Cricket Australia.

"I really had a hunger and determination to come back and really put my foot forward ... so to have a summer like that really put a smile on my face."

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Warner had previously won the coveted individual prize in 2016 and 2017. The opener received a total of 194 votes across the Test, ODI and T20I formats against 193 of former captain Smith. Cummins polled 185 points to come third. He has now joined a select list of multiple winners of the Allan Border Medal, which includes Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Smith. Besides the Allan Border Medal, Warner also won the male T20 Cricketer of the Year Award as well.

Full List Of 2020 Australian Cricket Award Winners

Belinda Clark Award: Ellyse Perry

Allan Border Medal: David Warner

Male One Day International Player of the Year: Aaron Finch

Female One Day International Player of the Year: Alyssa Healy

Hall of Fame Induction: Sharon Tredrea

Betty Wilson Young Cricketer of the Year: Tayla Vlaeminck

Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year: Wes Agar

Male Test Player of the Year: Marnus Labuschagne

Female International Twenty20 Player of the Year: Alyssa Healy

Male International Twenty20 Player of the Year: David Warner

Female Domestic Player of the Year: Molly Strano

Male Domestic Player of the Year: Shaun Marsh

Hall of Fame Induction: Craig McDermott

A fantastic night celebrating a huge year of cricket. Congratulations again to all of our award winners!#AusCricketAwards pic.twitter.com/AmhEMt3EpU

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) February 10, 2020