graeme smith, ashes
South Africa captain Graeme Smith. -Photo by Reuters

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa were officially rewarded for their number one Test status on Thursday after being handed the International Cricket Council Test Championship mace and a cheque for US$450 000.

It is the first time since the current ranking system was introduced in 2003 that South Africa has finished as the number one Test side on the April 1 cut-off date.

The mace was handed to Proteas captain Graeme Smith in a ceremony at the Wanderers.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the ICC Test Championship mace and prize money, not just on behalf of myself, the players and the team management but on behalf of all South Africans,” Smith told reporters.

“We all appreciate the enormous privilege of representing our country and take on the responsibility that goes with it.”

South Africa are the fourth team after Australia, India and England to hold the mace.

The Proteas have 128 ranking points at the top of the ICC Test Championship, 14 ahead of second-placed England. They are followed by India (112), Australia (110) and Pakistan (104).

South Africa's next Test match series is against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.