- Mitch Marsh won the Allan Border Medal
- Was on Test edge until Ashes in 2023
- Now the all-rounder, 32, is a key figure in the XI
The revival of Mitch Marsh’s career continued on Wednesday night after winning the Allan Border Medal – and in a speech for the ages, the all-rounder choked back tears as he thanked his wife Greta for her continued support.
Marsh, 32, was a popular winner of the coveted award, and he also singled out captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald for their loyalty at the selection table.
“I often talked to my wife about…,” Marsh said before pausing as he choked up on emotional scenes on stage at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium.
“I just wanted to get another go at it, and it was (Test Memory) great.”
“Grets is a wonderful person,” I said in my wedding vows eight months ago. She gave me the perspective in life that I needed… and our life is a lot of fun.
Mitch Marsh’s career resurgence continued on Wednesday evening after winning the Allan Border Medal at Melbourne’s Crown Casino
‘If I get a duck, or a hundred, she’s always the same.
“To Ronny (McDonald) and Patty (Cummins), you believed in me and I can’t thank you enough,” he added.
“I’m a little fat sometimes and I like a beer, but you always see the best in me.” “You changed my life, this (award) is a huge honor.”
Marsh, who ignored earlier comments from teammates that he was a contender for the top prize, was ultimately a resounding winner of the Allan Border Medal.
He received 223 votes, well ahead of Cummins (144) and Steve Smith (141).
Not bad for a guy who a few years ago felt like he was ‘done and dusted’ as an international cricketer.
During the 2019 Ashes series, Marsh famously declared: “Most of Australia hates me.”
It was a blunt reference to the view shared by many fans that the man they call ‘Bison’, while talented, failed to capitalize on his long list of opportunities while representing his country early in his career.
The all-rounder suppressed tears as he thanked his wife Greta (pictured together at the awards ceremony) for her continued support
Marsh was given what many thought was a surprise recall during last year’s Ashes series at the expense of Cameron Green – and has made the most of the opportunity by cementing himself in the Australian squad across all three formats.
Australian cricket great Mark Waugh was thrilled Marsh took home the top gong at the Australian Cricket Awards and is confident he can now take his game to another level.
‘Absolutely happy to see Mitch Marsh win the AB Medal,’ he tweeted.
‘A team man through and through who had to prove people wrong throughout his career.
“You wouldn’t know it though, he takes everything on the chin and just carries on with his game.
‘The best still lies ahead for him.’