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Australia has retained the ICC Mace for a fourth year in a row after once again finishing as the top Test side in the ICC Test Championship.

But South Africa has picked up the ICC Shield for being this year’s top-ranked side in the ICC ODI Championship. Australia finished the 12-month period up to 31 March 30 rating points clear of India in the ICC Test Championship with four wins, one defeat and one draw in Test cricket during that time.

At the same time, the Proteas edged out Ricky Ponting’s side by a fraction of a rating point to top the ODI table, winning 21 and losing eight ODIs during the same 12-month period.

Australia and South Africa received US$175,000 each for their achievements while Ponting’s side also pocketed an additional US$75,000 for finishing as runner-up in the ICC ODI Championship after 17 wins, six loses and three no-results in the twelve-month window.

India collected US$75,000 after ending the period in question in second place in the Test table with four wins, seven draws and two defeats in Test cricket.

Ricky Ponting, former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock and India coach Gary Kirsten received the cheques in the ceremony held in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Source:Cricket News