May122011
It is the most prestigious night in Australian Cricket, as the year’s best player is rewarded for his efforts with the Allan Border Medal. Like 2010, it was Shane Watson who again took home the award, becoming the only person other than Ricky Ponting to win the award, back-to-back. Watson was the shining light in a fading team throughout 2010/2011. He also took home the Test and ODI player of the year honours, tallying a combined total of 295 votes, 100 votes clear of the runner-up, Mike Hussey. Other winners included, Usman Khawaja (State Player of the year), and Trent Copeland (Young player of the year).
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In a low scoring encounter at the WACA in Perth, Australia were able to square the series 1-1. With Mitchell Johnson back in the team, the Aussies had a spring in their step, despite being rolled for 268 in the first innings, with Johnson (62) top scoring for the home team. After getting off to another steady start, it was that man, Johnson, which sparked a collapse in the England batting line-up, taking figures of 6/38, as the Aussies dismissed the Poms for 187. Australia then proceeded to increase their lead after totalling 309, with Mike Hussey (116) again the key contributor, with useful support from Shane Watson (95). The Aussies were in complete control leading into England’s second innings and that momentum continued as they rolled the poms for a series low total of 123. Ryan Harris picked up figures of 6/47, his first five-wicket haul in the test arena. Man of the Match = Mitchell Johnson.
(Source: livescores.cricket.com.au)
