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PHOTOS: Clarke named Australia's player of the year

Last updated on: February 27, 2012 18:39 IST

Australia captain Michael Clarke won the Allan Border Medal as his country's Player of the Year for the third time on Monday.

Clarke also won the award in 2005 after scoring 151 on his Test debut against India in Bangalore, and shared it with Ricky Ponting in 2009.

Clarke impressive with bat and captaincy

Last updated on: February 27, 2012 18:39 IST
Michael Clarke and Kyly Boldy (left) arrive at the 2012 Allan Border Medal Awards

The 30-year-old assumed the captaincy from Ponting in March last year and led Australia to a 1-0 Test series win in Sri Lanka, 1-1 draws with South Africa and New Zealand before the 4-0 sweep of India around the turn of the year.

In addition to his leadership of a team apparently in crisis when he took over in the wake of a 3-1 home Ashes defeat, Clarke has performed brilliantly with the bat.

A milestone year for Clarke

Last updated on: February 27, 2012 18:39 IST
Michael Clarke (left) of Australia shares a toast with Allan Border

He scored five centuries in 11 Tests since becoming skipper, hitting 1,167 runs at an average of 68.65 with his high score of 329 not out coming against the Indians in the second Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month.

Clarke succeeds Test vice-captain Shane Watson as the holder of the award after the all-rounder, who returned from injury to the international fold on Sunday, won it back-to-back in 2010 and 2011.

Warne inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Last updated on: February 27, 2012 18:39 IST
Shane Warne (right) stands with the legendary Richie Benaud

Spin-bowling great Shane Warne, who retired from international cricket five years ago, also became the 35th player to be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the ceremony in Melbourne's Crown Casino.

Warner named Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year

Last updated on: February 27, 2012 18:39 IST

Aggressive New South Wales and Australia opener David Warner capped a breakthrough season to be named Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year.

The left-hander won the award convincingly, polling 29% of player votes to finish well clear of Victorian paceman James Pattinson (20%) and South Australian right-hander Tom Cooper (16%).

Considered by many to be a short-form specialist leading into the voting period, Warner showed signs of his capabilities in the longer form late in 2010-11, scoring his maiden first-class century against WA in the final round of the season.

He followed up this performance with a dominant series for Australia A in Zimbabwe, which included a career-best 211 in Harare.

Quiney wins Domestic Player of the Year award

Last updated on: February 27, 2012 18:39 IST

Victoria and Melbourne Stars left-hander Rob Quiney was named Domestic Player of the Year.

Quiney received an impressive 52% of player votes to be a runaway winner over Tasmania's James Faulkner (12%) and fellow-Bushranger Matthew Wade (10%). All three played for the Melbourne Stars in the KFC T20 Big Bash League.

Twenty-nine year-old Quiney added a new level of consistency to his game, performing with distinction across all formats. He totalled 1640 runs at an overall average of 44.32 with 10 half-centuries and four centuries.

Shelley Nitschke wins Belinda Clark Award

Last updated on: February 27, 2012 18:39 IST

Retired all-rounder Shelley Nitschke claimed her fourth straight Belinda Clark Award (formerly the Women's International Player of the Year Award).

The South Australian, who polled 33 votes, edged out fellow-all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar, who finished with 31 votes and Alex Blackwell (26).

The left-hand bat and left-arm orthodox spinner played a total of 13 matches in the voting period, amassing 285 runs at an average of 23.75, while also taking 21 wickets at 17.62 apiece.

It is also the fourth year in a row Sthalekar has come second, following her consistent efforts throughout the last 12 months, which included 20 matches in the voting period, 285 runs at an average of 21.92 and 30 wickets at 18.23 apiece.