Stevie to retire

[Kristin5]

Steve Waugh has just announced that he is to retire from international cricket at the end of the test series v India (so his last test will be at the SCG in January).

Farewell to an Aussie Cricket Master!

Who will get us out of the holes we inevitably find ourselves in, now? Only the grit of Steve has saved us in the past.

And who will be named captain?

[Kristin5]

Here is the article:

http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,7983169-23209,00.html

[HAL]

[Newelly]

True - we haven't quite replaced John Eales in Rugby yet either. Two great captains who could always be counted on when our backs were to the wall. Ponting lacks the stoic nature of Waugh.

[Donny]

End of an era

Steve Waugh to retire after fourth Test

Lynn McConnell

Steve Waugh will retire from international cricket at the completion of the fourth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He made the announcement at a specially convened press conference at the SCG today. "Now is the right time," he said. "Sydney is one of the finest places to play."

Waugh had earlier stated that he would have liked to finish his career in India next year. But he said today that the tour would still be a great challenge for the Australians who go to India, and he would be following how they performed.

"My present form and fitness suggests I could play on, however, all good things must come to an end. And I believe Sydney is the perfect place to finish. The last 12 months have been among the most challenging, and also the most rewarding of my career. During that period the support of the public has been an inspiration to me."

Waugh said that he knew there was a risk in not being selected for that last Test, but he felt he was playing well enough to be considered for the side and he wanted to give it a "last shot". He clarified that he had never asked for guarantees from the selectors and he hadn't asked for any on this occasion.

Waugh looked back with special fondness at the last time he played a Test at Sydney, when he hammered a memorable century against England. "I had a great call last year. I'll never forget what happened in Sydney last year, that's etched in my mind forever. No-one can ever take that away from me. If it doesn't happen like that, and it is unlikely that it will happen like that, I'm quite happy with what I have achieved in the past."

Waugh thanked his team-mates and his opponents over the years, saying that he had enjoyed playin and socialising with them. But by far the most satisfying aspect of retiring would be the opportunity to spend more quality time with his family.

Waugh also stated his desire to stay in touch with the game. He expressed his keeness to help some of the less powerful teams, and pass on the traditions of the game to the players of those countries.

Waugh will go into the Indian series having played 164 Tests and scored 10,660 runs at an average of 51.25, with 32 centuries. It would be a remarkable achievement if he were to score the 515 runs he needs to supplant Allan Border as the greatest run-scorer in Test cricket. He has led Australia in 53 Tests and taken them to victory in 40 of those, four more than Clive Lloyd, who led West Indies in 74 Test matches.

In his first-class career, Waugh has scored 23,530 runs at 52.52, including 79 centuries.

[Donny]

Statement issued by Steve Waugh

Cricket Australia


This morning I sent letters to Bob Merriman, James Sutherland and Trevor Hohns of Cricket Australia, advising of my intention to retire from international cricket, as both Captain and player, at the completion of the Indian Series in Australia.

The upcoming Sydney Test will be my last for Australia, should I be selected to play.

My present form and fitness suggests I could play on, however all good things must come to an end. Sydney is the perfect place to finish.

The last 12 months have been amongst the most challenging and also the most rewarding of my career. During the last year, the support of the public has been an inspiration for me.

I have enjoyed playing cricket for my country and wish to thank all my team mates – both past and present – for their support, friendship and loyalty to me, first as a player and then as a Captain. I wish them all, and Cricket Australia, every success in the coming years.

I also must mention the opposition players, on all levels and from all countries, who have assisted in shaping my cricketing career. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play against, and socialise with each and every one of you. Thank you.

Perhaps by far the best outcome for me as an individual in retiring is the opportunity to now spend quality time with my family. Lynette, Rosie, Austin and Lilly have supported my cricket ambitions in a selfless manner. I look forward now to the opportunity to spend time with them as a more traditional family unit.

Finally, a thank you to the media, for your support over these years. I look forward to seeing you over the course of the Indian Series

[Fradam]

Well done Steve Waugh.

Kristin is right. We do need a grafting batsman to replace him, not someone who is flashy and doesn't value their wicket as much. Those kind of batsman are hard to find

He will be missed but I know Punter will do a great job as captain

[molloymagic]

No more waughs!!!!!!! I wasn't going to go to the tas vs nsw 1 day match here in tassie on saturday but i may just go and farewell steve!.

Good luck steve!!!!!!!.

[HAL]

. . . Really? Why not? You want more?

[tazza2000]

Waugh is Over..... AND SO IT IS PUNTER

Congrats on a fantastic career and being wonderful captain. Time for punter to step up to the crease. CMON PUNTER!

[piedys]

Wouldn't a 200+ innings be just a luuuuuuuurvely note to finish on?

dyso

[HAL]

GO PIES! ! ! !

[commonwombat]

What!!! A logical and meaningful comment from HAL !!! What is happening; was it Dyso's reference to a sex toy on another thread or has hell officially frozen over ???

And no I'm not referring to the Eagles reforming with the last reference.

[HAL]

Are you confused?

[commonwombat]

No HAL I'm not but I am concerned that your circuits get a bit fried from time to time.