Test mace up for grabs in SA

International Cricket Council takes 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

International Cricket Council President David Morgan and Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat today 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, beginning 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 USD 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.

Looking ahead to the encounter that begins in Johannesburg on February 26 and also features matches in Durban and Cape Town, Lorgat hoped with so much exciting cricket going on the game will be talked about for right reasons.

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"It's a great time for international cricket, and this series will be another chance to remind people why Test cricket is so special," Lorgat said.

"We've got Australia and South Africa going head-to-head for the leadership of the ICC Test Championship table, India not far behind and Sri Lanka and England also keen to have a say in affairs too," he added.

"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 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," Lorgat said.

The ICC Test Championship 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.