Australia and South Africa lack trophy for Test cricket series

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 22:01 · Archive

Australia and South Africa will compete without a named trophy in Cape Town, despite having created perpetual trophies for series with other nations.

Australia and South Africa will face off for a generic trophy in Cape Town, in perhaps the surest sign possible that one of cricket's great rivalries needs a name. South Africa can take top spot in the Test rankings off Australia if they win, and claim a mantle the current World Test champions have not owned since 2016. Australia, meanwhile, are attempting to become the first touring team to win a series in South Africa since England in 2020-21.

Australia play for perpetual trophies with seven of the Test-playing nations, from the Ashes against England to the Southern Cross Trophy for series with Zimbabwe. But no silverware has been created for series against South Africa, who currently have named trophies with England, India, West Indies and New Zealand. An actual physical prize would add more meaning to the series, as a draw would ensure its current holders would retain the honour.

The idea of creating a trophy has been floated before, with Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa asking fans to come up with ideas for a name ten years ago. Asked on Sunday if he had any ideas, Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey suggested 'the Kallis-Ponting, or something like that'. His suggestion references Ricky Ponting, the leading run-scorer in all Tests between the two teams, and Jacques Kallis, the great allrounder.

Australia and South Africa lack trophy for Test cricket series — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Kallis-Ponting Cup? Aussies and Proteas need a trophyAustralia play for perpetual trophies against seven other countries, including Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka -- but no such thing exists with South Africa.The West Australian · 25 Oct, 21:24
Kallis-Ponting Cup? Aussies and Proteas need a trophyAustralia play for perpetual trophies against seven other countries, including Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka -- but no such thing exists with South Africa.Perth Now · 25 Oct, 21:24

In this story: Australia · South Africa · Cape Town · Ricky Ponting · Jacques Kallis · Alex Carey · Pat Cummins · England

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