Steve Waugh will not lose Test spot: ACB |
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Will Steve Waugh be squeezed out of the Australian Test team too after his unceremonious sacking from the one-day team last month? Certainly not, says the Australian Cricket Board (ACB), refuting a report in British newspaper Daily Mirror.
According to the report, Waugh will be rested for Australias two-Test series against Zimbabwe next month to give recently named limited-overs captain Ricky Ponting a chance to prove himself. The Daily Mirror says Ponting will captain Australia even in the next Ashes series eight months later, if he performs well.
ACB spokesperson Brian Murgatroyd talk of Waugh being told he was dropped was rubbish and that he wouldn't even give the story credence by issuing a statement. In a radio interview given in Sydney, Australian prime minister and cricket fanatic John Howard said he would certainly pick Waugh if it were up to him. I think he is a great captain, I'd always pick him,'' Howard said during the interview.
Waugh, 36, confirmed that chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns had given him no indication of any possible changes to the team which will be chosen next week to play Zimbabwe. Waugh and twin brother Mark have already been dropped from Australia's one-day team.
Waugh flew back to Australia on Tuesday after averaging just 19 in Australia's 2-1 Test series win in South Africa. It will be the first time in 17 seasons that the Australian one-day squad will be without a Waugh. As Test captain, Waugh has won 26 of 37 Tests.
Ponting will lead the Australian one-day side that will play seven matches against South Africa starting next week.
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