Acknowledging that 2002-03 had not been his best season, Adam Gilchrist was as surprised as anyone to win the Allan Border Medal on Tuesday night as Australia's cricketer of the year.

The wicketkeeper-batsman had indisputably been a key member of the dominant Australian Test and one-day teams.

But it was his limited-overs opening partner Matthew Hayden, currently ranked the world's No.1 Test and one-day batsman, who was the pre-event favourite.

Gilchrist polled 88 votes, to edge Ricky Ponting (84), Shane Warne (79) and Hayden (76).

"The award was a surprise, it's amazing, I really didn't expect it," said Gilchrist, who also won the one-day international player of the year award.

"So many guys had great years, Matty Hayden had a standout year, probably a better year even than last season when he won the award.

"So I think all of us were banking that he was going to be the man."

When asked if it had been his best-ever season, Gilchrist replied: "To be honest no, seeing from my reaction tonight.

"It started out well.... I was probably a fraction inconsistent in one-day cricket, in Test cricket I felt like I took some opportunities well and missed a few opportunities, although that's the type of player I am."

Gilchrist nominated skipper Steve Waugh's century in the fifth Ashes Test earlier this month as his highlight of the season.

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