Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made a startling revelation about almost giving up on playing cricket after winning the prestigious Allan Border medal on Saturday (January 29). Starc was named Australia's Male Cricketer of The Year 2021 for his brilliant performances across all formats last year.

Starc took 43 wickets across all formats for Australia in 2021 to become only the fifth bowler in history to clinch the top honour at the Cricket Australia awards on Saturday. Despite being one of the senior members in the current Aussie squad, Starc won the Male Cricketer of the Year award for the first time in his career this time around.

Starc, however, didn't have a fairytale journey to the top honour and had to deal with his own share of struggles. The left-arm pacer recalled up and downs he had to undergo on and off-field, and revealed he was almost on the verge of giving up cricket. Starc revealed he thought he would never play cricket again at one stage last year.

I'm not really sure what words to say at the moment. It was a huge surprise. To look at some of those names who have won it before, it'll take a bit to sink in. Hugely honoured to receive this award," Starc said on Channel 7.

“Obviously last year was particularly tough on and off the field. I probably didn’t play the cricket I wanted to and, at certain stages, I probably didn’t want to play cricket at all,” he added.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mitchell-starc-wins-maiden-allan-border-medal-ashleigh-gardner-secures-belinda-clarke-award-448696">Mitchell Starc wins maiden Allan Border medal; Ashleigh Gardner secures Belinda Clarke award</a>

Starc has faced intense criticism from former Australian spinner Shane Warne, who had recently suggested that the left-arm seamer should be replaced by &nbsp;Jhye Richardson in the Gabba Test of the recently-concluded Ashes 2021-22. Starc responded in brilliant fashion and enjoyed a great Ashes, picking up 19 wickets in five matches to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker in the series.

“It doesn’t interest me at all. He’s entitled to his opinion," Starc said when asked about Warne's criticism of him.

“I’m just going to go about my cricket the way I’d like to, and I’ve got my family support networks and I get to play cricket with some of my best mates, so I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at," he added. 
&nbsp;

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made a startling revelation about almost giving up on playing cricket after winning the prestigious Allan Border medal on Saturday (January 29).

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc made a startling revelation about almost giving up on playing cricket after winning the prestigious Allan Border medal on Saturday (January 29). Starc was named Australia's Male Cricketer of The Year 2021 for his brilliant performances across all formats last year. Starc took 43 wickets across all formats for Australia in 2021 to become only the fifth bowler in history to clinch the top honour at the Cricket Australia awards on Saturday. Despite being one of the senior members in the current Aussie squad, Starc won the Male Cricketer of the Year award for the first time in his career this time around. Starc, however, didn't have a fairytale journey to the top honour and had to deal with his own share of struggles. The left-arm pacer recalled up and downs he had to undergo on and off-field, and revealed he was almost on the verge of giving up cricket. Starc revealed he thought he would never play cricket again at one stage last year. I'm not really sure what words to say at the moment. It was a huge surprise. To look at some of those names who have won it before, it'll take a bit to sink in. Hugely honoured to receive this award," Starc said on Channel 7. “Obviously last year was particularly tough on and off the field. I probably didn’t play the cricket I wanted to and, at certain stages, I probably didn’t want to play cricket at all,” he added. Also Read: Mitchell Starc wins maiden Allan Border medal; Ashleigh Gardner secures Belinda Clarke award Starc has faced intense criticism from former Australian spinner Shane Warne, who had recently suggested that the left-arm seamer should be replaced by Jhye Richardson in the Gabba Test of the recently-concluded Ashes 2021-22. Starc responded in brilliant fashion and enjoyed a great Ashes, picking up 19 wickets in five matches to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker in the series. “It doesn’t interest me at all. He’s entitled to his opinion," Starc said when asked about Warne's criticism of him. “I’m just going to go about my cricket the way I’d like to, and I’ve got my family support networks and I get to play cricket with some of my best mates, so I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at," he added.

'Didn't want to play cricket': Mitchell Starc makes shocking revelation after winning Allan Border medal

Senior pacer Mitchell Starc claimed his maiden Allan Border medal while Ashleigh Gardner became the first indigenous person to win the Belinda Clarke award, the top two honours at Cricket Australia (CA) Awards.

Starc was honoured for his strong performance in all three formats of the game. He is only the fifth bowler in 22 years to win the award.

Gardener also bagged the recognition for the first time. She is the first indigenous player to clinch the top gong in Australian women's cricket.

"I never dreamt of ever winning this award. When I took the call I was in complete surprise," Gardner told Channel Seven.

"I'm still in shock. To be the first ever First Nations person to win this award is super special not only for me but for my family and my people too."

"I've certainly grown up both on and off the field and maturing off the field has an impact on my game. All I ever want to do when I go out with the ball or with the ball is to win for the team," Gardener added.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-pacer-mohammed-shami-names-2-teammates-who-can-replace-virat-kohli-as-next-test-captain-448679">Indian pacer Mohammed Shami names 2 teammates who can replace Virat Kohli as next Test captain</a>

The awards were decided by a voting process for the period 2021-22. The winners were decided by votes from players, umpires and media representatives throughout the year. The announcement came during the lunch break of the ongoing women's Ashes Test here. Starc, who took 43 wickets across all formats in the 12-month period, edged out all-rounder Mitchell Marsh by one vote.

"I'm not really sure what words to say at the moment. It was a huge surprise. To look at some of those names who have won it before, it will take a bit to sink in. Hugely honoured to receive this award," Starc said.

Gardner was Australia's third-highest run-scorer and fifth-highest wicket-taker across the voting period, scoring 281 runs at an average of 35.10 that included four half-centuries while also claiming nine wickets.

She received 54 votes to win the Belinda Clark award ahead of Beth Mooney (47) and Alyssa Healy (39). It was double celebration for Starc as he also won the men's ODI Player of the Year. He joins Pat Cummins, Mitchell Johnson,

Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath as the only fast bowlers to win the top award since its inception in 2000. Star wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy won the women's ODI Player of the Year award for the third time.

The big-hitting Marsh, who was the star of the T20 World Cup final last year, was named the Men's T20 Player of the Year after a tremendous 12 months.

Marsh, who scored 627 runs from 21 T20Is, received 53 votes, ahead of pacer Josh Hazlewood (29) and spinner Ashton Agar (26).

Beth Mooney won her second successive women's T20 Player of the Year award. With 13 votes, she finished ahead of Tahlia McGrath (10) and Gardner (6).

Batter Travis Head bagged the Test Player of the Year award courtesy a brilliant Ashes campaign that included two match-winning hundreds.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-u19-wc-nishant-sindhu-tests-positive-ahead-of-quarter-final-tie-yash-dhull-sk-rasheed-recover-448610">ICC U19 WC: Nishant Sindhu tests positive ahead of quarter-final tie, Yash Dhull, SK Rasheed recover</a> 
 
List of 2022 Australian Cricket Awards: 
Belinda Clark Award: Ashleigh Gardner (54 votes) 
Allan Border Medal: Mitchell Starc (107 votes) 
Men's Test Player of the Year: Travis Head (12 votes) 
Women's ODI Player of the Year: Alyssa Healy (13 votes) 
Men's ODI Player of the Year: Mitchell Starc (15 votes) 
Women's T20 Player of the Year: Beth Mooney (13 votes) 
Men's T20 Player of the Year: Mitchell Marsh (53 votes) 
Women's Domestic Player of the Year: Elyse Villani 
Men's Domestic Player of the Year: Travis Head 
Betty Wilson Young Cricketer: Darcie Brown 
Bradman Young Cricketer: Tim Ward 
Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees: Justin Langer &amp; Raelee Thompson.

Senior pacer Mitchell Starc claimed his maiden Allan Border medal while Ashleigh Gardner became the first indigenous person to win the Belinda Clarke award, the top two honours at Cricket Australia (CA) Awards.

Senior pacer Mitchell Starc claimed his maiden Allan Border medal while Ashleigh Gardner became the first indigenous person to win the Belinda Clarke award, the top two honours at Cricket Australia (CA) Awards. Starc was honoured for his strong performance in all three formats of the game. He is only the fifth bowler in 22 years to win the award. Gardener also bagged the recognition for the first time. She is the first indigenous player to clinch the top gong in Australian women's cricket. "I never dreamt of ever winning this award. When I took the call I was in complete surprise," Gardner told Channel Seven. "I'm still in shock. To be the first ever First Nations person to win this award is super special not only for me but for my family and my people too." "I've certainly grown up both on and off the field and maturing off the field has an impact on my game. All I ever want to do when I go out with the ball or with the ball is to win for the team," Gardener added. Read Also | Indian pacer Mohammed Shami names 2 teammates who can replace Virat Kohli as next Test captain The awards were decided by a voting process for the period 2021-22. The winners were decided by votes from players, umpires and media representatives throughout the year. The announcement came during the lunch break of the ongoing women's Ashes Test here. Starc, who took 43 wickets across all formats in the 12-month period, edged out all-rounder Mitchell Marsh by one vote. "I'm not really sure what words to say at the moment. It was a huge surprise. To look at some of those names who have won it before, it will take a bit to sink in. Hugely honoured to receive this award," Starc said. Gardner was Australia's third-highest run-scorer and fifth-highest wicket-taker across the voting period, scoring 281 runs at an average of 35.10 that included four half-centuries while also claiming nine wickets. She received 54 votes to win the Belinda Clark award ahead of Beth Mooney (47) and Alyssa Healy (39). It was double celebration for Starc as he also won the men's ODI Player of the Year. He joins Pat Cummins, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath as the only fast bowlers to win the top award since its inception in 2000. Star wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy won the women's ODI Player of the Year award for the third time. The big-hitting Marsh, who was the star of the T20 World Cup final last year, was named the Men's T20 Player of the Year after a tremendous 12 months. Marsh, who scored 627 runs from 21 T20Is, received 53 votes, ahead of pacer Josh Hazlewood (29) and spinner Ashton Agar (26). Beth Mooney won her second successive women's T20 Player of the Year award. With 13 votes, she finished ahead of Tahlia McGrath (10) and Gardner (6). Batter Travis Head bagged the Test Player of the Year award courtesy a brilliant Ashes campaign that included two match-winning hundreds. Read Also | ICC U19 WC: Nishant Sindhu tests positive ahead of quarter-final tie, Yash Dhull, SK Rasheed recover List of 2022 Australian Cricket Awards: Belinda Clark Award: Ashleigh Gardner (54 votes) Allan Border Medal: Mitchell Starc (107 votes) Men's Test Player of the Year: Travis Head (12 votes) Women's ODI Player of the Year: Alyssa Healy (13 votes) Men's ODI Player of the Year: Mitchell Starc (15 votes) Women's T20 Player of the Year: Beth Mooney (13 votes) Men's T20 Player of the Year: Mitchell Marsh (53 votes) Women's Domestic Player of the Year: Elyse Villani Men's Domestic Player of the Year: Travis Head Betty Wilson Young Cricketer: Darcie Brown Bradman Young Cricketer: Tim Ward Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees: Justin Langer & Raelee Thompson.

Mitchell Starc wins maiden Allan Border medal; Ashleigh Gardner secures Belinda Clarke award

From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards!

ca-awards

Ca Awards, News on Ca Awards, stories on Ca Awards, articles on Ca Awards, Ca Awards stories at Wion, Ca Awards news, Ca Awards latest news

ca awards

'Didn't want to play cricket': Mitchell Starc makes shocking revelation after winning Allan Border medal

Mitchell Starc wins maiden Allan Border medal; Ashleigh Gardner secures Belinda Clarke award

From Smith to Mooney: Cricket Australia announces its player of year awards!