Waugh urges his players to concentrate on game

Australia's Test cricketers flew out of Sydney on Thursday for their tour of South Africa, still reeling from Wednesday's shock announcement that Steve Waugh had been dumped as their one-day captain.

As news of his unexpected removal was greeted with a mixture of incredulity and anger by players and fans from around the world, Waugh urged his team mates to forget about his sacking and concentrate on the three-Test series against South Africa.

"We're not going to be dwelling on it," Waugh told a news conference just before the team's departure.

"It's been dealt with, it's over and it's time to move on."

Waugh led his powerful side to an historic 3-0 series whitewash over South Africa last month to remain the world's number one ranked team.

But under the rankings system used by the International Cricket Council, Australia will slip behind South Africa if they fail to beat them again in the forthcoming series.

Waugh said he was sure his team had South Africa's measure but confessed he was worried about the effect his dismissal from the one-day side would have on the players.

Australia's chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns has already given a strong hint that more sackings are likely to follow when the one-day squad is announced next week, and has declined to name the new captain.

FIRST TEST

It is only natural that the uncertainty will create unease in the team but Waugh said he was confident the side was mentally strong enough to cope with the pressure.

"Some of the guys will have doubts in the back of their minds and we've just got to get everyone in a positive frame of mind for that first Test," Waugh said.

"Sport teaches you a lot of things, that there are going to be ups and downs. This is one of them for me and we've got to come back from what's happened.

"I'm really positive about this tour. I'm looking forward to playing Test matches and maintaining our status as the number one Test side in the world.

"I've had a lot of good feedback from friends and family, and the public out there have been outstanding, so I feel pretty good."

The 15-man Australian test squad was scheduled to arrive in South Africa on Thursday afternoon with their first match, against South Africa A, due to start in Potchefstroom the following day.

The first Test in Johannesburg starts next Friday followed by Tests in Cape Town and Durban.

The Australian squad includes just one new face, 20-year-old Tasmanian all-rounder Shane Watson. He is unlikely to play in the Tests but is being blooded for the future.

A seven-game, one-day series will be played after the Tests, followed by a three-week tour of Zimbabwe.

Waugh and others not chosen in the one-day team will be sent home after the Tests and then brought back for the Zimbabwean leg.

Also read:
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- Steve Waugh interview
- Steve Waugh rules out any chance of early retirement

Mail Cricket Editor