Australia newspapers farewell one-day great Waugh

Australia newspapers said goodbye to Mark Waugh on Tuesday, following the move by the World Cup champions to dump the country's leading limited overs run-scorer from the team.

"As sad as it is to see a champion like Mark Waugh pensioned off as a one-day cricketer, it must be said Australia's selectors got it right," the Herald Sun newspaper said.

Waugh, 36, was not included in the 15-man squad named on Monday for the forthcoming series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Ricky Ponting will lead the side after the Australian Cricket Board last month announced that World Cup-winning captain Steve Waugh, Mark's twin, would also be dropped from the squad.

Australia failed to make the finals of a home triangular series against New Zealand and South Africa last month.

Mark is the fourth highest scorer in one-day internationals with 8,500 runs at 39.35 in 244 matches, but averaged only 21 in the recent triangular series.

Steve has played 325 one-day internationals, bettered only by former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin (334), and was also part of Australia's 1987 World Cup-winning side under Allan Border.

The Australian newspaper said the selectors felt they had to discard Mark.

"In truth, they had no option after abandoning his brother Steve, whose importance to the team has always been so much greater," The Australian said.

"Had he (Mark) been dropped when he should have been dropped, and told in no uncertain terms to gird his loins, his career as the greatest of all limited overs cricketers would not be at an end."

The Age newspaper said sooner or later, all good things came to an end.

"For 16 years, the Waughs have played a big part in this country's cricketing achievements, helping to win a couple of World Cups," The Age said.

"These brothers knew how to win a cricket match. Mark's contribution has been underestimated because his manner has been disarming, a characteristic he shares with David Gower."

Mail Cricket Editor