Waugh warns England
2002-10-22 15:54
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - Australia's cricket captain Steve Waugh warned England his team was ready for the upcoming Ashes series after a 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan here on Tuesday.
"Its a big thing to play for Australia and we can never be
complacent," Waugh said after his side thrashed Pakistan by an
innings and 20 runs in the final Test here.
It was Australia's second successive innings win over their
injury-hit rivals and highlighted the one-sided nature of the
series.
Australia won the first Test by 41 runs and the second inside
two days by an innings and 198 runs, warming the world champions
nicely for next month's home clash against England.
"I was a bit surprised we won the last two Tests so easily, but
overall it was an excellent performance," Waugh said. "We are ready
to go for the Ashes."
Waugh said he was delighted his team did not relax after winning
the second Test here inside two days last week.
"There was a chance we may relax, but we worked hard every ball
and produced a professional Test match win here."
The Australian captain dismissed suggestions by his English
counterpart Nasser Hussain that the the 37-year-old Waugh twins,
Steve and Mark, were the ones to target in the Ashes series.
"I think I am averaging about 59 against England, so have done
quite well against them," said Waugh, who hit an unbeaten century
in the final Test here.
"You can say what you like, its what happens on the field which
counts.
"I have enjoyed playing against England and if they are
focussing on one or two players, chances are they make take their
eye off the ball.
"We talked of complacency four years ago when we won 16 Tests in
a row. But there are so many good players out in Australia, that we
can't afford to relax."
Waugh said it was never going to be easy for Pakistan to come
back in the series after losing the first Test.
"Its never easy to pick yourself against a good side like ours,"
he said. "There are no loose deliveries. Much like the West Indies
side in the 1980s we keep coming at the opposition."
Waugh praised Shane Warne, but said there were other players in
the team who did as well.
Warne finished with a rich haul of 27 wickets in three matches
to be adjudged the man of the series. He now has 477 wickets,
second only to record holder Courtney Walsh's tally of 519.
"With Pakistan out of the way, I am concentrating on England,"
the leg-spinner said. "Its very special to play against England.
"There will be opportunities to go to 500 but I will take it as
it comes." - Sapa-AFP
- SAPA