Johnson wins Allan Border Medal

Australia's quick Mitchell Johnson can now add an Alan Border medal to his impressive start to 2014, edging out Captain Michael Clarke.

Mitchell Johnson with his wife Jessica Bratich-Johnson. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: News Limited

WHEN Mitchell Johnson was at his lowest ebb, he promised himself if he got another chance to play Test cricket, he'd make the most of it.

On Monday night, that promise earned him Australian cricket's highest individual honour - the Allan Border Medal.

Johnson, who took 37 wickets as Australia swept to a 5-0 Ashes whitewash, was stunned when his name was read out. His wife Jessica, with a tear in her eye, hugged him as the 200-strong crowd at Doltone House cheered.

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Peter Siddle and partner Anna Weatherlake on the red carpet. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

"I was very surprised and very emotional," Johnson said.

"I guess the emotions flowed from what's happened in the past 12 months and even before that. I guess all the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears you go through, the ups and downs of a professional sportsman, it all just came out tonight.

"I knew if I got the opportunity to play Test cricket again I'd make the most of it. I'm very fortunate to get that chance again."

The terrifying left-arm quick has played just six Tests in the past year, but in five of them he was a genuine matchwinner.

He took man of the series honours as Australia reclaimed the Ashes in the most emphatic of manners and put the world on notice that, at 32, his career is far from over.

He paid the biggest tribute to his wife, who's been by his side throughout his ups and downs.

"She's been through it with me, she's been a huge part of my career so far," said Johnson, who's taken 242 career Test wickets.

Gerard Middleton and Malcolm Conn bring you the latest from the red carpet of the Allan Border Medal.

"She's seen all the bad times and all the doubters. She's been a huge support for me and obviously a very positive support for me as well."

Two years ago, Johnson's career looked over after a troubled tour of South Africa ended with a foot injury.

Johnson didn't feature in Australia's 3-0 Ashes series loss during the English summer earlier in the year.

He forced his way back into Test calculations in the one-day arena - and courtesy of injuries in Australia's fast bowling ranks.

Michael Clarke was widely favoured to win what would have been a record fifth AB Medal.

Clarke polled 156 votes, second to Johnson's 168, while James Faulkner, who has played just the one Test match during the voting period, was the surprise finisher in third.

The Australian captain couldn't have been happier for his teammate.

"I think every single one of the players in the XI that took the field throughout the Ashes deserves a lot of credit, but in saying that Mitchell Johnson certainly deserves the accolades he's receiving and well and truly deserves the Allan Border Medal," Clarke said.

"He was able to bowl the way I personally feel he bowls his best, as an impact bowler, as an X-factor."

Australian captain Michael Clarke and his wife Kyly Clarke. Picture: Brett Costello. Source: News Limited

Johnson is just the third fast bowler to win the award, joining Glenn McGrath (2000) and Brett Lee (2008).

Clarke wasn't left empty-handed, after walking away with the Test player of the year award, finishing above Steve Smith and Chris Rogers.

George Bailey was the runaway winner of the ODI player of the year. He averaged nearly 96 during Australia's series against India and currently has the second-highest average in world cricket.

Faulkner came in second, just ahead of Johnson.

It was a bitter-sweet night for Bailey, who was left out of Australia's Test squad for South Africa.

"It's disappointing not to be going to South Africa but I think I have come to terms with it," Bailey said.

"If you are going to play five Tests over a summer you would pick the five we played. It's been extraordinary."

Meg Lanning, just 21-years-old, won the Belinda Clark medal for the best female cricketer of the year.

Big-hitting Aaron Finch was named the Twenty20 player of the year, in front of Faulkner and Fawad Ahmed.

Other awards of the night went to Victorian Cameron White, who was named the domestic player of the year.

Jordan Silk from Tasmania claimed the Bradman young player of the year.

Relive cricket's night of nights in our live blog below!

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