The Hindu : It hasn't sunk in yet for Waugh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 07, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

It hasn't sunk in yet for Waugh

By Our Special Correspondent

SYDNEY JAN. 6. What was the most memorable moment for Steve Waugh in his final Test? "The lap of honour on the shoulder of my mates. It was as good as one gets. That's something I'll never forget,'' said an emotional Waugh. "It hasn't sunk in yet it's over. Maybe, tomorrow I would realise it all.''

Waugh thanked a lot of people for his long journey, which began in 1985, and concluded this evening after 168 Test matches. "It has been amazing, a very special occasion for me. In a way, I've been very lucky and the reaction (today) confirms cricket remains a people's game,'' said Waugh. "It's amazing the way it has panned out. I'm proud of the support of my family and friends, and those in the stands.''

Waugh had no regrets at all. "One has to leave at some stage. I'm not sad. I would say I'm lucky to have received such affection and the people's warmth.''

About his team, Waugh said: "it's difficult to maintain top standards. But there's depth in Australian cricket. Other teams are coming up and our job will only get harder. But there are quality young players emerging and they will do well for Australia.''

Waugh praised India's batting in the series. "The Indian batting was sensational and their line-up is the best I've seen in my career. The way they batted was a good lesson for us as well. The way the last six-seven Tests have been played between the two teams, it'll be fair to say we've had some amazing contests.''

The Australian captain expected an early declaration from India. "I believe they stretched their innings a little too far. I thought it was a bit late and 440 was too huge a target. I would say they gave us only two per cent chance of winning, maybe three per cent.''

On his knock, Waugh confessed that "I was extremely nervous but strangely, when I walked up to the crease, I felt a sense of tranquility. I was very relaxed and wanted to do my stuff. It was a dangerous situation and a special innings was needed. I was happy I could bat long. In some ways, I owed it to the crowd.''

Regarding the Australian approach, Waugh remarked: "it was a brave effort to step up the scoring in the final hour. But when I got out and Adam (Gilchrist) too departed, I was a bit worried. It would've been pretty damning to lose the Test from that position.''

Even though Waugh said there was no sledging in international cricket, he mentioned an incident from today's game. Waugh smiled at young Parthiv Patel, who was pushing him to play his slog-sweep, and said: "you are too young for all this. When I began playing you were in your nappies.'' The smile on Waugh's face truly conveyed his feelings.

Waugh then shared his views about the series. "The series was played in an extremely good spirit. To be sure, when I walked in, there was some banter but it was all friendly. I don't think it's right to say India dominated us in the series. I thought it was an even series,'' said Waugh, leaving the media room to a big applause with wife Lynette by his side.

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