All-rounder Shane Watson was nearly in tears as he accepted his first Allan Border Medal as Australia’s top cricketer.
After a series of injuries restricted him to only eight Tests in four years, the 28-year-old has managed nine in seven months and made a stunning career transformation.
He was the favourite before Monday night’s black-tie function in Melbourne and won easily, polling 125 votes.
Michael Clarke was next on 90 and ICC player of the year Mitchell Johnson was third with 87.
Watson also was voted one-day player of the year for the first time, while fellow Test opening batsman Simon Katich took out the Test player award, also for the first time.
Watson choked up on stage as he was presented with the medal.
“It’s been an awesome ride and it’s very overwhelming actually to receive this award,” Watson said.
But he soon lightened the mood considerably when he thanked Cricket Australia’s medical staff, in reference to his horrendous run with injuries.
Watson paid tribute to noted Queensland-based physiotherapist Victor Popov, well known for his work with AFL side Brisbane and several top road cyclists.
Two years ago, Popov sat down with Watson and worked out a plan to help him gain consistent fitness.
He has flourished since the surprise decision during last year’s Ashes series in England to give him the opening batsman role when Phil Hughes was dropped.
After several near misses, Watson scored his maiden Test century in the Boxing Day match.
He and Katich are studies in persistence – Katich thought his Test career was over when he was dropped soon after a terrible 2005 Ashes series.
“I knew I was a bit of a chance, but you never really think you’re going to win the Allan Border Medal – I never did, not since (its) inception,” Watson said.
“It’s extremely overwhelming to win such a prestigious award.
“It’s been really good to be able to string so much cricket together.
“It’s been something I’ve worked so hard for, to be able to play a lot of cricket back-to-back.”
One of the most pleasing aspects of this Australian summer for Watson has been noticing the shift in public perception towards him
“One thing throughout this summer, performing consistently, has been the fans have really changed, their view towards me,” Watson said.
“To start in Brisbane and cop a bit of stick … to then see it turn around gradually through the summer, has been something – I really dreamed of being able to turn people around.
“It’s been very nice.”
The other award winners were Shelley Nitschke for the women’s cricketer of the year, Michael Klinger as the top state cricketer and John Hastings as the Bradman young cricketer.
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