Allan Border AO
1989 Award
Test Cricketer
Born in Sydney, Border made his test debut in the 1978-79 series against England. In 1987 he became Australia's highest run scorer in test cricket, making 7343 runs in 94 tests. He went on to become the world's top test scorer (11 174 runs) and most capped test player (156 games). Assuming the test captaincy in 1984 when Australia's cricketing fortunes were in a slump, in 1989 he led a revitalised team against England to win the Ashes. He retired in 1994. Affectionately known as 'Captain Cranky' by his teammates for his occasional curtness, he says: 'I'm not flamboyant or good to watch but I do put everything into it'. He loved the camaraderie of the sporting lifestyle: 'Nothing quite matches travelling around with a bunch of good blokes and playing sport'.
On receiving his Australian of the Year award he hoped his example had been an inspiration to other Australians: 'If you are prepared to work hard enough when the going is tough then you can achieve plenty'.
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