During his illustrious career, Border participated in 156 Tests and 273 ODIs, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph at the 1987 World Cup and leading the team to victory in three Ashes series between 1989 and 1993. Following his retirement in 1994, he ventured into commentary and served as a national team selector.
Allan Border was the first player to 150 test matches and score 11,000 test runs
Border’s achievements on the field are noteworthy, with 27 centuries and 63 half-centuries to his name in Test matches alone. In an interview with The Australian, he expressed a sense of gratitude, acknowledging that his condition is not as severe as it could be for others battling Parkinson’s.
He revealed that he is currently unafraid of the immediate future but doesn’t anticipate reaching the age of 80, considering it a miraculous feat. Accepting the reality of his situation, Border added, “No way am I going to get another 100, that’s for sure. I’ll just slip slowly into the west.”
Apart from his immediate family, Border confided in only one other individual about his diagnosis, his former teammate Dean Jones, who tragically passed away in 2020. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by involuntary shaking, slowed movement, and rigid muscles.
What is Parkinson’s disease
Additionally, those affected may experience various physical and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, balance issues, loss of smell, sleep disturbances, and memory problems. The condition stems from the degeneration of nerve cells in a specific area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. The exact cause remains unclear, though experts believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a role.
Parkinson’s affects approximately one in 500 individuals. While a cure is currently unavailable, treatments such as medication and physiotherapy can help manage the primary symptoms. With advancements in treatment, most people with Parkinson’s can expect a normal or near-normal life expectancy.