SYDNEY, May 31: Cricket Australia on Tuesday received a US$500,000 cheque from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in recognition of the country’s position at the top of the ICC Championship tables up to April this year.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, who received the cheque, paid tribute to the performance of the Australian team and the administrative bodies that support the players off the field.

“Cricket Australia is honoured to receive this cheque from the ICC to reward the Australian teams position on the ICC Test and ODI Championship tables over the past 12 months,” Sutherland said in a statement.

“It certainly recognises the performance of the Australian team and our team management who play such a vital role behind the scenes.”

The payment comprised 250,000 dollars for topping the ICC Test Championship and 250,000 dollars for leading the ICC ODI Championship.

It is the first time the ICC has made a financial payment to recognise the achievement.

The Test Championship was introduced in May 2001 with the ODI table formed in October 2002.—AFP