This is the first time, since the current ranking system was introduced in 2003 that South Africa had finished as the number-one ranked Test side on the 1 April cut-off date.Van der Bijl said: "The mace is a symbol of excellence and recognition of a side's outstanding achievement in the toughest and most traditional format of the game. Vince van der Bijl, former Natal, Transvaal and Middlesex fast bowler and currently ICC's Umpires and Referees Manager, presented the mace to Smith who also collected the cheque of US$450,000 from CSA president Chris Nenzani, in a ceremony that was staged at The Wanderers in Johannesburg.South Africa has all the reasons to be proud of its feat as it is only the fourth team after Australia, India and England to hold the mace. South Africa claimed the mace from the then No.1 side England in the last English summer and then successfully retained it by winning all the five home Tests.At the presentation, Smith said: I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the Reliance ICC Test Championship mace and prize money, not just on behalf of myself, the players and the team management but on behalf of all South Africans.Nenzani added: "It gives me the greatest pleasure to congratulate coach Gary Kirsten, captain Graeme Smith and other members of the Test squad on their achievement of becoming the number-one side on the Reliance ICC Test Championship Table and staying at the top for what we hope will be a considerable period of time. We all appreciate the enormous privilege of representing our country and taking on the responsibility that goes with it.
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