History
Named after former Australian Captain the Allan Border Medal is one of the most prestigious and the highest individual honor in Australian cricket. The medal has been awarded annually since 2000 to the most outstanding cricketer in Australia. The function is held every year in January or February at Crown Casino in Melbourne.
The first medal was won by Australian fast bowler, Glen McGrath in 2000. The following year the medal was awarded to former Australian captain, Steve Waugh. In 2002 Matthew Hayden won the medal. Wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist won the medal in 2003. In 2004, Australian captain Ricky Ponting won his first medal and went on to win the medal another two times in 2006 and 2007 making him the highest holder of the medal. 2005, saw Michael Clarke win the award. The latest recepent of the medal was fast bowler Brett Lee in 2008.
Methodology
The Allan Border Medal is awarded by Cricket Australia the governing body for cricket in Australia. Cricket Australia chooses the winner of the Award by the ballot method where Australian cricket players, umpires and media personals are allowed to cast votes after each game on a 3-2-1 basis. Test cricketers and One day International cricketers have equal opportunities to win the award.