SYDNEY, Dec 13: Australian captain Ricky Ponting was presented with the International Cricket Council’s one-day world championship shield before the start of triangular series Friday.

The shield rewards Australia for being on top of the ICC ratings established in October.

Australia’s Test team, under the leadership of Steve Waugh, is also at the top of the ICC’s World Test Championship.

Ponting said the shield recognised Australia’s consistent one-day form since failing to make the finals against New Zealand and South Africa last summer.

“It certainly is nice to be recognised in that way,” he said.

“These things come around when you perform at a high level for a long period of time and that’s what this side has been able to do not only in Test cricket but one-day cricket as well.”—AFP