Mark Waugh axed
October 28, 2002
MARK WAUGH's Test career may be over after he was dumped today from the Australian squad for the First Ashes Test with England at the 'Gabba next week.
Waugh's place goes to South Australia's Darren Lehmann.
"I am obviously sad for Mark who has been such a great player for Australia for so many years but at the same time I am delighted and very grateful to get another chance at Test level," said Lehmann
Lehmann beat the likes of Queenslander Jimmy Maher, NSW captain Simon Katich and young Blues batsman Michael Clarke to extend a Test career which has yielded 228 runs at an average of 28.50.
He underlined his potential with a highest score of 98 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 1998-99.
Waugh was dropped from the Australian one-day team earlier this year and the veteran now appears likely to have played his last match for his country.
His 128 Tests sits fifth on the all-time list of appearances, behind Allan Border (156), twin Stephen Waugh (151), West Indian Courtney Walsh (132) and former Indian great Kapil Dev (131).
He is 11th on the all-time scoring list, recording 8029 runs at an average of 41.82.
But Waugh has struggled for form in recent seasons, averaging 35 or less in his last four series.
He was left out after scoring just 80 runs in four appearances during Australia's 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan earlier this month.
Selectors must weigh up their fast bowling options after including Gillespie, who is expected to play for South Australia in a one-day match against NSW this Saturday.
If Gillespie comes through unscathed, fellow quicks Brett Lee and Andrew Bichel are expected to fight for the final bowling spot.
The squad:
Stephen Waugh (capt), Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Darren Lehmann, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee, Andrew Bichel, Glenn McGrath.
AAP