Cummins claims Border Medal

PAT Cummins is assured of being the highest-paid player in Australian cricket when new contracts are handed out in April after securing his first Allan Border Medal.

The resurgent speedster, who only returned to the Test team in 2017 after nearly six years battling injuries, beat spinner Nathan Lyon by six votes.

Cummins won the award despite missing out on the Test Player of the Year gong, which went to Lyon.

The 25-year-old fast bowler earned more votes than Lyon from his teammates (81 to 72) in the eight Tests and six one-day internationals in which he played, while the spinner got more votes from the media and umpires (78-75). More than 3000 votes were cast across all international matches played by Australia since last January, by players, umpires and the media.

Cummins’ victory came without any votes for his starring role in Australia’s 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka, which was played outside the voting period.

But Cummins earned maximum votes in three Tests, including two in South Africa. His nine wickets, and 69 runs, in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG also earned him full plaudits and sealed his medal victory.

Lyon, who beat Cummins by three votes to win Test Player of the Year, also received maximum votes in three Test matches. He and Cummins were the only players to achieve that feat more than once.