Himalayan News Service

Melbourne, May 31:

Australia have won the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test and one-day international (ODI) titles — and along with it $500,000. The money comprises and equal $250,000 for the two titles, Cricket Australia said. This is the first time ICC has made a financial payment for winning the championships. Australia topped the tables for the 2004-05 season that ended April 1. “CA is honoured to receive this cheque from the ICC to reward the Australian team’s position on the LG ICC Test and ODI Championship tables,” said CA chief executive James Sutherland. He paid tribute to the Australian team and the administrative bodies that support the players off the field. “It certainly recognises the performance of the Australian team and our team management who play such a vital role behind the scenes,” he said. Australian batsman Simon Katich, present at the cheque presentation ceremony, said the Australian team was looking forward to the next five months of cricket, including the Ashes series in England in July-September.