Steve Waugh to miss last two Tests

Steve Waugh effectively ruled himself out of the remaining two Ashes Tests on Sunday after injuring his calf in Australia's series-clinching win in the third Test.

The Australian captain will sit out the Headingley Test starting on August 16, followed by the fifth and final game at The Oval a week later.

Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist is set to take over the team.

Waugh had to be carried off after tearing his left calf muscle while setting off for a run during the seven-wicket victory at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

Asked on Sunday whether the series was over for him, Waugh, on crutches and clearly in pain, said: "I never give up all hope, but more than likely it is.

"(As soon as I suffered the injury), I realised it was basically over.

"There's a little bit of frustration but that's selfish," he told a press conference. "The job is done.

"It's only a muscle. It gives someone else a chance to play for Australia, which is great," Waugh said.

But he does not intend to return to Australia just yet.

"We've talked about it," he said. "I'm just going to have seven to 10 days of treatment and see how it goes. If I feel I'm getting in the road of the new captain or vice-captain then I'll go."

But Australian physiotherapist Errol Alcott's assessment leaves little room for the possibility of the skipper returning to action on this tour.

"This type of injury normally takes between four and six weeks to heal," he said.

Waugh was away in hospital undergoing a scan when his team began celebrating after sealing a historic seventh successive Ashes series triumph.

"That's a fantastic achievement and this is a special time," Waugh added.

Gilchrist would be leading the test side for the second time. He took over from Waugh when he was sidelined by a previous injury to lead Australia to victory over West Indies at Adelaide last year.

Batsman Justin Langer, who last played for Australia in March against India, looks the most likely player to replace Waugh. The touring side had selected the same side for all three tests to date.

Mail Cricket Editor