Aussie sporting legend Allan Border reveals plan for an emotional Ashes swansong as he battles incurable disease

5 days ago 28
  • Great was diagnosed with the deadly disorder in 2016

By ANDREW PRENTICE, SPORTS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: 01:26 GMT, 18 November 2025 | Updated: 01:26 GMT, 18 November 2025

Aussie sporting great Allan Border has revealed his plans for an Ashes swansong in 2027 - and it will be at Lord's, the home of cricket.

It comes as Border, 70, continues his battle with Parkinson's disease.

The former captain, who plundered 11,174 runs at Test level, was diagnosed with the incurable disease in 2016 but only went public with his ailment in 2023.

He previously stated the neurodegenerative disorder took away his confidence to work on TV for Fox Cricket and also impacted his relationships with family, friends and ex-teammates.

And while he can't wait for the Ashes which start in Perth on November 21, 'AB' would also love to fly to England ahead of the 2027 series, health permitting.

'Part of my masterplan is to have a swansong at Lord's,' Border told News Corp.

Aussie sporting great Allan Border (pictured with his wife Jane) has revealed his plans for an Ashes swansong in 2027 - and it will be at Lord's, the home of cricket

It comes as the 70-year-old (pictured at the Allan Border Medal, the awards night named in his honour) battles Parkinson's disease

Border (pictured in 1994) played 156 Test matches for Australia, which was a record before it was passed by Steve Waugh 

'I want to go over with a crew and get a corporate box. It would be an expensive way to do it... but it is a really good way to enjoy the cricket.'

Speaking in tandem with Parkinson's Australia boss Olivia Nassaris at a function in 2024, Border stressed that the disease doesn't discriminate.

'I was fit and healthy before I was diagnosed,' he said. 

'It doesn't just affect me, I have a wife and four kids.

'I [also] knew very quickly I couldn't work on TV [at Fox Sports] anymore, people would ask, "What's happened to AB?"

'It can impact younger people [as well]. As it stands, close to 13,400 people have Parkinson's in Australia who are of working age.

'Things like paying your mortgage can all of a sudden be very difficult... it is also an iceberg-type disease, it has many different layers.'

The effects of the disease include speech difficulties, dementia, problems with sleeping and depression.

Border is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

He has left a lasting legacy on cricket and the coveted award for Australia's best male cricketer of the year is named after him: the Allan Border Medal. 

The India-Australia Test series has also been named the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

He led his country to victory in the 1987 World Cup and also enjoyed success on multiple Ashes tours, including in 1989, when the tourists were widely tipped to be outclassed by England.

Australia emphatically won the series 4–0 in what became a turning point for the national side after years of struggles.

Border also played 156 Test matches for Australia, which was a record before it was passed by Steve Waugh.

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