Allan Border (Australia)
Tuesday, December 24 2002 16:26 Hrs (IST)

Allan Border, one amongst the long list of successful Australian captains, is most remembered for bringing home the 1987 World Cup against some very tough opposition. He has also scored 10,000 runs in Test cricket at present only Gavaskar is a member of this elite club.

There is no doubt that Border was extremely competent at what he did and in addition to that he was also a good leader, who never lost control. At any given stage of the game he was sure of his objectives, and what he should to do to get there. No surprise then that his team was highly successful at that time.

Allan Robert Border made his One-day debut in the year 1979 against England and about five months later made his World Cup debut also against England. Border made 34 in that match, but Australia lost that game. He played a total of 25 matches and scored 452 runs at an average of 18.83.

His highest score in the World Cup was 67 was against Zimbabwe in the 1987 World Cup. Australia won that game by 96 runs. His best bowling figures are 2 for 27 runs off seven overs against New Zealand in 1987. Australia won that game by 17 runs.

Although his One-day record wasn't phenomenal, his ability was never in doubt and the selectors kept their faith in him. After all he had scored 11,174 runs in just 156 Test matches. Border was an aggressive captain and that same aggressiveness has continued as an integral part of the present team with very good results.

England is a team, which has been a three-time World Cup finalist and the third time it was against Border's team that it lost in 1987. Border will be remembered as a doughty fighter throughout his career and for leading a highly talented team to World Cup success.

Compiled by: Ramnath Bhat

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