Cummins races ahead Lyon to claim coveted Allan Border Medal

Fast bowler Pat Cummins on Monday got the much-coveted Allan Border Medal at the Australian Cricket Awards in Melbourne in recognition of his excellence in the Test arena.

The 25-year-old collected 36 wickets in eight matches across the voting period from January 9, 2018 to January 7, 2019. He totalled 156 votes to win the medal ahead of Nathan Lyon (150), Aaron Finch (146), Marcus Stoinis (102), Usman Khawaja (102) and Andrew Tye (85).

In Australia's 2-0 Test series against Sri Lanka, the first match at the Gabba saw Cummins, named as joint vice-captain, collecting the figures of 10/62.

Cummins is the first bowler to have earned the honour since Mitchell Johnson was crowned in 2014, in the wake of his stunning home Ashes summer, Cricket Australia reported.

With becoming the recipient of the medal, the fast bowler has joined the elite club that includes Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath, Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, and David Warner.

Cummins has become the most consistent pacer of his side and has developed into a handy number eight as he scored half-centuries against South Africa and India.