Australian captain Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke have tied for the Allan Border Medal.

The medal, which recognises performances in Tests and one-day internationals over the past 12 months, has never been shared before in its 10-year history.

Ponting now has four Allan Border Medals, while it was the second win for his deputy.

Ponting and Clarke both finished on 41 votes with Michael Hussey next with 38.

Pre-ceremony favourite Mitchell Johnson ended up in fourth on 30 votes, equal with opening batsman Simon Katich.

"Obviously I'm very honoured to receive the Allan Border Medal and even more honoured to be standing beside my captain," Clarke said in accepting the award.

Ponting looked very surprised he was even in the contention for the award.

The Australian skipper has endured a rough year, with many criticising his performance as captain.

But Ponting said his side was on the brink of regaining its place at the top of world cricket.

"This is an amazing shock to me... (I was) just waiting for either 'Pup' or Mitch to get up here tonight and accept the award," he said.

"As we all know it's been an up-and-down year for the team and everybody right at the moment is writing us off.

"But I know deep down in my heart that we're not very far away at all and I think our results would even prove that over the last couple of months.

"It's been am amazing time with some of our greats leaving the team, some obviously very exciting and young players coming into the team.

"It's an amazing challenge for me and certainly Michael to keep leading this team in the right direction."

Earlier in the night, Clarke was named Test player of the year and fast bowler Nathan Bracken claimed the one-day player of the year award.

Young New South Wales opener and Test hopeful Phillip Hughes took out the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award

South Australia's Michael Klinger, who recently passed 1,000 domestic runs for the season, won the state player of the year title.

Australian international Shelley Nitschke was recognised as women's player of the year.