Australian captain Ricky Ponting was today handed the International Cricket Council’s one day international championship shield, signifying his team’s dominance of the form this year.
Though the Australians have won the past three limited overs World Cups, quirks of the schedule and the odd poor series have meant South Africa have held the shield at times over the previous few years, so Ponting was happy to get it back.
“It’s good for Australia to hold the ICC ODI Championship shield once again, ” he said.
“Following our success in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 we were challenged at the top of the rankings by a good South Africa team but we pride ourselves on improvement and I’m pleased that we’ve played well enough recently in one day cricket to regain this prestigious award.”
The trophy presentation took place in the middle of a lengthy Australian training session at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground as they prepare for Wednesday’s third Test against India.
ICC principal advisor IS Bindra expressed his irritation at the delay before allowing the shield to be handed over.
“It should not happen again,” Bindra said as he apologised to sponsors.
AAP
