Australian cricket icon Allan Border has announced his heartfelt ambition to experience a final Ashes swansong at Lord's Cricket Ground in 2027, a plan he is determined to fulfil despite his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease.
A Legend's Final Ashes Ambition
The 70-year-old former captain, who amassed 11,174 Test runs during his illustrious career, shared that his "masterplan" involves travelling to England for the iconic series. Border stated he hopes to secure a corporate box at the home of cricket to properly enjoy the spectacle, acknowledging it would be an expensive but worthwhile way to celebrate his deep connection with the Ashes.
This revelation comes as Border continues to live with Parkinson's, an incurable neurodegenerative condition he was diagnosed with in 2016 but only disclosed publicly in 2023. The sporting great emphasised that his ability to make the trip is entirely dependent on his health, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of his illness.
Living with Parkinson's Disease
Border has been candid about how Parkinson's has impacted his life, revealing the disease significantly affected his confidence and led to his departure from television work with Fox Cricket. He noted it has also strained relationships with family, friends, and former teammates.
Speaking alongside Parkinson's Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris at a 2024 function, Border stressed that the condition does not discriminate. "I was fit and healthy before I was diagnosed," he explained, highlighting that it affects not just him but his wife and four children. He also brought attention to the broader impact, noting that approximately 13,400 working-age Australians live with Parkinson's, describing it as an "iceberg-type disease" with many complex layers including speech difficulties, dementia, sleep problems, and depression.
An Enduring Cricket Legacy
Allan Border's legacy in cricket remains profound. He captained Australia to victory in the 1987 World Cup and led memorable Ashes campaigns, including the famous 4-0 series win in 1989 that marked a turning point for Australian cricket after years of struggle.
His record of 156 Test matches for Australia stood until surpassed by Steve Waugh. Today, his name honours both Australia's premier men's cricket award, the Allan Border Medal, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy contested between Australia and India, cementing his status as one of the sport's true greats.
