ICC congratulates Bangladesh and Australia on Test milestones

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated its full members Bangladesh and Australia on reaching different Test milestones this week.

Bangladesh reached the landmark of 100 Test matches in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo which started on Wednesday while Australia is featuring in its 800th Test in the third Test against India which commenced in Ranchi on Thursday.

Bangladesh, which played its first Test against India in Dhaka starting on 10 November 2000, has taken the least amount of time among all 10 Test-playing countries to reach the landmark figure. On the other hand, Australia has a long history, having played the first Test against England 140 years ago.

ICC Chief Executive David Richardson congratulated the teams and said that cricket has strong roots in both countries and they held important positions in world cricket.

Mr David Richardson: “On behalf of the ICC, I wish to congratulate the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Cricket Australia for these landmark Tests. Bangladesh is an established side which has been improving steadily over the years while everyone knows of the rich tradition that Australia has.

“Bangladesh has beaten several top sides in limited overs cricket in recent years and that kind of success is bound to come in Test cricket too considering the large player base the country has. Australia has produced several all-time greats and has been one of the most consistent sides in history.

“There is great passion for the game in both countries and they contribute hugely to the popularity of cricket around the world.”

Bangladesh has won eight Test matches so far. It has beaten Zimbabwe five times, the West Indies two times and England once.

Australia has won 377 Tests, lost 214, drawn 206 and figured in both ties to have occurred in Test history.

*Indicates ongoing match