Australia has retained the No.1 spot in the ICC Test Championship table following its win over South Africa here on Tuesday.Ponting's men completed a 175-run victory before tea on day five at Durban's Kingsmead ground on Tuesday, bowling South Africa out for 370 chasing a world-record target of 546 to win.
Leading a vastly inexperienced side that few expected to succeed, Ponting guided his men to wins in Johannesburg and Durban to ensure they held on to the world No. 1 Test ranking. Australia's boy wonder Phillip Hughes was named man of the match.
The 20-year-old left-hander, playing his second Test, became the youngest player to make two centuries in the same Test match with his 115 and 160 in Durban.
The 20-year-old left-hander, playing his second Test, became the youngest player to make two centuries in the same Test match with his 115 and 160 in Durban.
"This is as happy as I've been in my whole career as an Australian player" Ponting, the 130-Test veteran said.Ricky Ponting’s men are assured of $175,000 in prize money as they have taken an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
India has a chance to grab the number two position and get richer by $75,000 if second-placed South Africa loses the third Test also.
But if the final Test ends in a draw, India and South Africa would be tied for the second spot with 118 ratings points and the prize money would be shared.
India has a chance to grab the number two position and get richer by $75,000 if second-placed South Africa loses the third Test also.
But if the final Test ends in a draw, India and South Africa would be tied for the second spot with 118 ratings points and the prize money would be shared.
