The Waughs go on

Steve Waugh has admitted that he is willing to carry on playing first-class cricket for at least another season, suggesting that he wants to stay on as Australia's captain for the immediate future.

His comments came less than 24 hours after his brother Mark confirmed that he would be turning out for New South Wales in 2003-04. Dave Gilbert, the NSW coach, explained that Mark believed he still had a year left in him, and the news was welcomed by Steve as being good for the domestic competition. Speculation over Steve's future as Australian captain began again after the series in the Caribbean, but he effectively threw his hat into the ring by telling reporters that he was keen to play against Bangladesh next month. "I haven't made a final decision but it's all very positive," he said. "I'm preparing as if I'm going to keep playing."

He went on to explain that the forthcoming series was important for Bangladesh's development. "You've got to give them opportunities and chances and I think they have to get some help as well," Waugh said. "If it's not happening at the moment and they are struggling, they need some help from elsewhere. It's just a matter of having faith in these teams."


Posted by Rob