Smith a red-hot shot for AB gong

STEVE Smith’s imperious Ashes series and his Indian heroics should make the Australian Test captain a certainty for the Allan Border Medal.

But the vagaries of the voting system, plus Nathan Lyon’s breakout season, might at least mean the count tonight is more than just a procession for Smith.

Opener David Warner won his second Border medal ahead of Smith last year, primarily on the back of his one-day form.

Warner is likely to take out the one-day category again.

For the Border Medal, the votes cast for Test match performances are weighted more than the other internationals.

But if Warner wins the oneday category by a margin, it could mean he closes the gap on Smith for the Border Medal.

Then there is the voting for the Test player of the year.

In 11 Tests through the voting period, Smith amassed 1305 runs at a stunning average of 81.56.

His Ashes form this summer prompted comparisons to Sir Donald Bradman. Warner is second in Test runs – a whopping 420 behind Smith. But just as Smith dominated the Test batting, Lyon’s Test bowling was impressive.

He took 62 wickets in the period – the most in Test cricket – at an average of 22.73.

However even if Lyon upsets Smith to take out the Test category, he did not play any international ODIs or T20s in the voting period.

Smith has not played any T20 internationals since 2016 but is third among our one-day batsmen.

Just as Smith is the overwhelming favourite for the top men’s honour, it would be a surprise if Ellyse Perry did not win her second Belinda Clark Award as the top Australian women’s cricketer.

The highlight of Perry’s year was her historic double century in the November Ashes Test.

Perry’s 213no is the highest Australian score in women’s Tests and was also her maiden international century.