Former Aussie Test skipper Allan Border has made a brave appearance at Optus Stadium for the first match against India, only to be cruelly mocked by trolls for his voice.
Border’s name will feature on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where both countries will compete in more than five Tests this summer.
The former Test great was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 and has since shunned public appearances.
However, Border was a welcome guest on the first day of the first Test in Perth, conducting media interviews and spending some time in the commentary box.
His speech has become slower and more slurred since 2016, and he is not as sharp as before he developed the degenerative condition, but he has been a welcome addition to the commentary field nonetheless.
Except for a group of cruel trolls, who chose to mock the Australian cricket legend’s speech on social media.
Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border with the trophy with their names on it that Australia and India are competing for
Trolls have accused Border, who has Parkinson’s disease, of being drunk
“AB with a few colds under her belt,” one cricket fan posted, including laughing emojis and images of glasses of beer.
“Allan Border sounds hammered,” another added.
Even when told that the former Test champion was battling the fatal degenerative brain disease, they doubled down, posting: “Yes, I don’t understand what he’s saying.”
“Note to self: don’t do interviews after a few beers,” another troll posted.
“He’s got Parkinson’s disease, you bastard,” one cricket fan replied.
“Get your head inside. The man is unwell,” another added.
Fortunately, those who chose to laugh at Border’s expense were in the vast minority.
The majority of cricket fans praised the Queenslander for his bravery as he spoke publicly amid the biggest battle of his life.
Border was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 and has not made many public appearances since
Border and Gavaskar with Australian Test captain Pat Cummins and Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah
‘Gosh. You can hear the changes in Allan Border’s voice with his health problems. Nice to know he is healthy enough to work. The epitome of Australian cricket for everyone of my generation,” one fan wrote.
‘AB is truly one of our greatest ever. Inspiration for me growing up, and it continues to be so. A national treasure. A great man,” wrote another.
“That’s so damn good, and as someone who watched my grandmother suffer from Parkinson’s disease, I wish Allan nothing but the best. “If he comes out and tells everyone he is suffering, he can only bring more awareness to a terrible disease,” said other cricket fans.
“It’s so good to see Allan Border in the commentary box, probably the first time I’ve listened to him after hearing about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Legend with a great record all over the world, a good leader and a fierce competitor. One of my old heroes,” another added.
In April, Allan Border urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take action on Parkinson’s disease, which affects more than 150,000 Australians every day.
Following his diagnosis, Border said the disease reduced his confidence to continue his work in cricket commentary for Fox Sports and put a strain on his relationships with family, friends and former teammates.
In a video released ahead of World Parkinson’s Day, Border called on Prime Minister and federal Health Minister Mark Butler to prioritize increased funding and proactive measures to tackle the condition.
‘I remember when I was told that my first image was of [champion boxer] Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic torch,” Border said in the clip.
‘I just thought people were into it [Parkinson’s] suffered from a vibration. ‘There’s a lot [more] for this disease we just need a little bit of help.’