Share

ICC Test Mace heading to SA

Dubai - ICC president David Morgan and chief executive Haroon Lorgat, on Wednesday took possession of the ICC Test Championship Mace, signaling the start of the countdown to the top-of-the-table showdown between Australia and South Africa that begins later this month.

The top prize in the game's ultimate format is up for grabs in the three-match series with the winner taking first place on the ladder, securing $175 000 in prize money and giving itself the right to be called the best side in the world.

The ICC will transport the Mace to South Africa in time for Australia's arrival on February 16 and it will be used to promote the upcoming series, and Test cricket, the pinnacle of the game.

And looking ahead to the encounter that begins in Johannesburg on February 26 and also features matches in Durban and Cape Town, Lorgat said: "It really is a great time for international cricket. We've got Australia and South Africa going head-to-head for the leadership of the championship table, India not far behind and Sri Lanka and England also keen to have a say in affairs too.

"We've seen some superb Test cricket over the past few months with Australia in India, England in India and South Africa in Australia and this return series promises more of the same.

"It's another great opportunity for the two teams and the game as a whole to remind everyone why Test cricket is so special.

"It's ultra-competitive at the top end of the table and with some superb ODI action taking place at the moment too, that means people will be following and talking about the sport for all the right reasons."

The Mace was created in May 2001 for the leading Test side and has been held by Australia for all but five months (January - May 2003) of its existence.

South Africa was the side that snatched it away, albeit briefly, and Graeme Smith's side has an opportunity to do that again in the upcoming series.

The Mace was produced by Crown Jeweller Asprey & Garrard, which was commissioned to make a distinctive prize designed to stand out from other cricket trophies.

It produced a 90-centimetre silver and gold-plated trophy based on a cricket stump as its shank topped by an orb that represents the cricket world - both geographically and through the inclusion of the emblems of the 10 ICC full members to have played Test cricket.

The stump and the orb combine to portray the Mace, regarded as a symbol of authority and prestige. This is regarded as an appropriate combination given the rich history of Test cricket and its image as the most traditional and purest form of the game.

The Mace sits on a wooden base with a silver-plated plaque in front with room for engravings of the sides to hold it.

The Mace was valued at £30 000 in 2001 and automatically passes from one team to another as results confirm a change of leadership in the championship table.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE