My battered, baggy green cap is my business: Waugh

Australia captain Steve Waugh laughed off suggestions on Thursday his battle-weary Test cap should be replaced before it falls to bits.

Waugh, 36, has played 145 Tests since December 1985 and his baggy green cap has been soaked with sweat, blood, beer and champagne in venues across the cricketing world.

Neil Harvey, a member of Don Bradman's 1948 Invincibles side, was quoted as saying in the Herald Sun newspaper on Thursday: "It looks bloody terrible, it really does. He needs to get another one."

Waugh pretended to be surprised that Harvey, a constant critic of anyone comparing Waugh's side to Bradman's side, had made such a comment.

"I'm terribly surprised that Neil's had a go at us. I really am shocked," Waugh told a news conference on Thursday.

"I'm flattered that (people) keep talking about my baggy green cap. To me it's special, and maybe a little bit tattered and worn.

"You're not going to throw it away just because it doesn't look good. You've got memories there and that's what is special to me.

"I'll continue to wear it as long as I think it's in a reasonable state. I think it is at this stage. To be truthful, it really is no-one else's business."

Former captain Allan Border, with 156 Tests from 1978-79 to 1993-94, is the only person to have played more Tests for Australia than Waugh.

Waugh has led Australia in 34 Tests for 24 wins, plus five losses and five draws.

Australia's world record winning streak of 16 Tests ended in the second Test against India in Calcutta in March last year.

Mail Cricket Editor