Sydney, Feb 5 : Michael Clarke was awarded the 2013 Allan Border Medal on Monday for having the most prolific batting year in Australian Test history, equalling legendary Ricky Ponting's feat of four medals.

 A teary-eyed Clarke got 198 votes to finish well clear of his teammates despite playing little more than half of the one-day internationals and no Twenty20 internationals, News. com. au reports.

 Shane Watson and retired Michael Hussey were tied at the second spot with 165 votes, which highlighted the importance of the Australian captain in the young team.

A modest Clarke said Australia's success was more important to him than his personal glory, adding winning the medal for the fourth time is as special as the first one.

The Australian skipper pounded 1080 runs in nine matches in the voting period between February 25, 2012, and January 28 this year at an average of 77.1, which is the lion''s share of his national record 1595 runs in calendar year 2012.

Clarke said a lot of luck and hard work had gone into the result, harking back to his axing from the national team in 2005 as the turning point.

Clarke said it was tough for him when he was axed from the team, adding that is the time when he realised he needs to work lot more harder to stay in the Australian team.

Clarke, who won the 2005, 2009 (with Ponting) and 2012 medals, was the standout player throughout home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka and polled in two of the three matches in the West Indies to also be anointed Test player of the year on 22 votes ahead of Mike Hussey (15) and Matthew Wade (12). (ANI)