 Ponting is ranked the world's best batsman |
Australia captain Ricky Ponting has won the Allan Border Medal as his country's cricketer of the year for the second time in three years. Ponting edged Mike Hussey by three votes to become the first player to win the honor twice, with Brett Lee third.
Ponting, who last month played his 100th Test and is ranked the world's best batsman, also won in 2004.
Leg-spinner Shane Warne won the Test player of the year award and Hussey won the one-day version.
Ponting polled 83 votes from players, media and umpires to beat Hussey (80), while fast bowler Lee polled 77 votes.
"This Australian cricket team is still the best cricket team in the world and as far as I'm concerned, the best sporting team in the world," Ponting said.
"For me to be the captain of that side is a great honour and a great thrill."
Andrew Symonds - who would have claimed the one-day award - was ruled ineligible because he was suspended for a drinking binge during last year's Ashes tour.
New South Wales opener Phil Jaques took the state player of the year award.
And newly-appointed Australia captain Karen Rolton was named best women's player for the fourth time in five years.
Former Australia captains Bob Simpson and the Monty Noble were inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
MMIX
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