Australia reclaims top spot in ICC Test Championship

Despite defeat in the final match of the series, Australia's 3-1 series victory in West Indies restores its place at the top of the ICC Test Championship table.

Australia's win boosts its points tally to 21 from 13 series, taking its average up to 1.62 which is crucially 0.01 higher than previous leader South Africa's average.

Arrangements are being made for the ICC Test Championship Mace to be transferred from South Africa to Australia and the Mace will be presented to the Australian Cricket Board by ICC President Malcolm Gray later this month.

Australia will be the last side to head the ICC Test Championship under the present system as a new method of calculation will be introduced from 1st June 2003.

The system was agreed by the ICC Board in Johannesburg on 22nd March 2003 and rewards teams for their performances in every Test match played.

An announcement detailing the new standings and the new method of calculation will be made towards the end of May.

ICC Test Championship Table, 13th May 2003

Team         Played Won Lost Drawn Points Average
Australia          13   10    2    1     21     1.62
South Africa       18   14    3    1     29     1.61
New Zealand        17    8    5    5     21     1.24
Sri Lanka          16    7    6    3     17     1.06
England            16    6    6    4     16     1.00
India              15    5    6    4     14     0.93
West Indies        17    7   10    0     14     0.82
Pakistan           16    4    8    4     12     0.75
Zimbabwe           16    3   11    2      8     0.50
Bangladesh          8    -    8    -      0      -

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