Mark Waugh answers fixing
allegations with bat

Test batsman Mark Waugh, in his first innings since new bribery allegations last week, hit 152 in Hobart on Thursday to lead New South Wales to Sheffield Shield first innings points against Tasmania.

Waugh slaughtered an injury-ridden Tasmanian attack during an explosive afternoon session that unravelled a tight first-innings contest into a 102-run lead for the Blues.

However the benign Bellerive Oval wicket, which has already yielded four centuries and could have another two in the making, looks likely to be the ultimate winner.

At stumps on the third day, Tasmania were 119 for one in their second innings, a lead of 17 runs after dismissing NSW before an early tea for 464.

Captain Jamie Cox, a first innings centurion, was on 57 and Michael Di Venuto 45. Waugh would not talk to the media afterwards.

However chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns liked what he saw. "It was set up for him with a depleted attack, but he did what he had to do and did it well," Hohns said.

Waugh was close to his imperious best. The timing was back, particularly on the cover drive, the cut and flick to mid wicket.

Waugh hit 15 boundaries in his 257-minute innings and his third 50 came up from only 27 balls. He was last man out, slogging.

Mail Cricket Editor