ICC President congratulates Australia on Johnnie Walker Super Series victory

ICC President Ehsan Mani today congratulated Australia on its victory in the Johnnie Walker Super Series Test match over the ICC World XI and thanked Cricket Australia and the venues for hosting a world class event.

"The Australia cricket team can take great pride in beating the ICC World XI in all four Johnnie Walker Super Series matches. They have performed exceptionally well over the three One-Day Internationals and one-off Super Test and have confirmed their status as the world's best team," said Mr Mani.

"They have achieved this feat at two venues that were well-prepared for cricket at a time that falls outside the regular international season in Australia and I thank Cricket Australia, the host venues and the Governments of Victoria and New South Wales for their hard work in staging a world-class event.

"Though not all the players have been able to find the world class form that earned them selection for the ICC World XI, it has been pleasing that all of the matches have been played in the true spirit of the game.

"In addition, throughout the event the players have supported international cricket's partnership with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Players from both teams have worn shirts with awareness-raising red-ribbons integrated into the design, helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma in relation to the pandemic that is prevalent in many of the major cricket playing countries.

"In keeping with the unique spirit of the sport, the event has also contributed to the earthquake relief efforts in Pakistan, helping the Australian Red Cross to raise over $AUS 1.5 million.

"I thank the spectators in Australia who have seen the world's greatest players do battle in Melbourne and Sydney and the tens of millions cricket fans around the world who have tuned in to the action.

"I also thank our valued broadcast partners including the Host Broadcaster Channel Nine in Australia, our title sponsor Johnnie Walker, our Official Partners ABN Amro, Emirates, Hero Honda, LG and Mastercard, and our official suppliers Hyundai, Reebok and Ben Sherman.

"Many staff and volunteers have dedicated the last few months of their lives to making this tournament a success and I would like to congratulate them for a job well done and thank them for their dedication and tremendous efforts."

Cricket Australia Chairman Bob Merriman thanked the ICC for awarding the hosting of the inaugural Johnnie Walker Super Series to Australia.

"Thank you to the ICC for providing Australian cricket with the opportunity to host this tournament," said Mr Merriman.

"We appreciate the work and commitment from the venues - the Telstra Dome and the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust - for the wonderful facilities to stage the event.

"And most importantly, we thank the cricket fans for their attendance and support throughout the Johnnie Walker Super Series."