Former Aussie Test captain Allan Border made a brave appearance at the Optus Stadium for the first match against India, only to be cruelly mocked by trolls for his voice.
Border’s name adorns the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in which both nations will compete in over five events this summer.
The former Test great was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 and has avoided public appearances since.
However, Border was a welcome guest on the first day of the first Test in Perth, conducting media interviews and working as a commentator.
His speech has become slower and more slurred since 2016 and is not as high-pitched as before he developed the degenerative condition, but he was a welcome addition to the commentary box nonetheless.
Except for a group of cruel trolls, who chose to mock the Australian cricket legend’s speech on social media.
Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Border with the trophy with their names for which Australia and India are competing
Trolls accuse Border, who battles Parkinson’s, of being drunk on air
“AB with a few colds under his belt,” one cricket fan posted, including laughing emojis and pictures of beer glasses.
“Allan Border sounds bewildered,” another added.
Even when told the former trial champion was battling the deadly degenerative brain disease, he doubled down by posting: “Yeah, I can’t understand what he’s saying.”
“Note to self: don’t do interviews after a few beers,” another troll posted.
“He has Parkinson’s disease, you’re a complete idiot,” responded one cricket fan.
“Wind your head. The man is not feeling well,” another added.
Fortunately, those who chose to have a laugh at Border’s expense were in a large minority.
Most cricket fans praised the Queenslander for his bravery in public speaking amid the biggest battle of his life.
Border was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 and has not made many public appearances since.
Border and Gavaskar with Australian Test captain Pat Cummins and India captain Jasprit Bumrah
‘God. You can hear the changes in Allan Border’s voice with his health problems. It’s good to know that you are healthy enough to work. “The epitome of Australian cricket for anyone of my generation,” one fan posted.
‘AB is truly one of the greatest of all time. Inspiration to me growing up and still is. A national treasure. A great man,” posted another.
“That’s very good, and as someone who saw my grandmother suffer from Parkinson’s disease, I wish Allan nothing but the best, him coming out and telling everyone about his suffering can only raise more awareness about a horrible, bloody disease,” said another cricket fan.
‘It’s great to see Allan Border in the comments box, probably the first time I’ve heard from him after finding out about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Legend with a fantastic track record around the world, a great leader and a fierce competitor. One of my heroes for a long time,” another added.
In April, Allan Border urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to take action against Parkinson’s disease, which affects more than 150,000 Australians daily.
Following his diagnosis, Border shared that the illness diminished his confidence in continuing his work as a cricket commentator for Fox Sports and strained his relationships with family, friends and former teammates.
In a video released ahead of World Parkinson’s Day, Border called on the Prime Minister and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to prioritize increased funding and proactive measures to tackle the disease.
“I remember being told that my first image was of (champion boxer) Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic torch,” Border said in the clip.
‘I just thought people with Parkinson’s suffered from a tremor. “There is a lot (more) to this disease, we just need a little help.”