Revealed: Why Australia cricket stars wore eye-catching rings at star-studded awards night in Melbourne

The Australian cricket stars hit the red carpet with their glamorous partners on Wednesday night, and eagle-eyed fans couldn’t help but notice the men wearing an identical piece of jewellery.

The cricket world has gathered in Melbourne to toast a hugely successful 2023, with the men’s team winning the ODI World Cup and retaining the Ashes, while the women’s side won the T20 trophy.

There is strong competition for the Allan Border Medal – awarded to the best men’s player of the year – with Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Pat Cummins all competing.

Marsh went on to win the illustrious prize, but his teammates didn’t walk away from the celebration empty-handed, with the players showing off a ring on the red carpet.

Australian stars wore special rings at the Australia Cricket Awards on Wednesday

Marsh, Head and Cummins, as well as every player who played a role in India’s World Cup victory, have been presented with special rings to commemorate their astonishing achievement last year.

Marnus Labuschagne was also spotted wearing the item as he watched his wife pose for photos.

Marsh was a runaway winner of the Allan Border Medal, finishing 79 votes ahead of Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins in a medal voted on by players, umpires and media.

The West Australian was helped by regaining his place in the Test team during the Ashes, while also playing in Australia’s stunning World Cup win in India and contributing in T20s.

He scored the second-highest number of runs (1638 at 58.5) by an Australian cricketer during the voting period across Tests, ODIs and T20s, level with fellow World Cup hero Travis Head.

Only Test No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne, who played six more matches than Marsh, amassed more runs (1672 to 40.78).

Marsh joins an illustrious list including Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Steven Smith, Cummins and Mitch Starc who have won the Allan Border Medal, first awarded in 2000.

More to follow.