Aussies to wear Federation caps

Australia's cricketers will again break tradition in the fifth and final Test against the West Indies starting on Tuesday by exchanging their baggy green caps for a special hat made to mark the centenary of Federation.

The green cap with gold seams will be handed to the players by Prime Minister John Howard, temporarily replacing the most famous headwear in Australian sport.

Steve Waugh's Australian team last wore different caps a year ago in Sydney when the players were handed replica skullcaps worn by the Australian team at the turn of the 20th century.

Waugh, who still wears the Australian cap he was given for his Test debut 15 years ago, said the Federation caps were the idea of the Australian Cricket Board.

The Federation tribute marks 100 years since six British colonies united to form one country -- Australia.

Mail Cricket Editor