Waugh hero

The theatre of cricket provided an outstanding moment in the history of the game during the last week.

The stage was the impressive Sydney Cricket Ground and the lead actor was the stupendous Steve Waugh.

The prelude to this astonishing individualistic performance was set by the short sightedness of the Australian selectors, who had left no one in doubt as to their preferences regarding the future of the Australian icon. Steve knew their freshly sharpened axe was hovering over his neck.

Steve had other ideas.

From the moment he purposefully strode out to the wicket, accompanied by the most raucous of standing ovations, the steeliness of his character was plain to see. His focus was steadfast as he set about (again) rescuing Australia from a precarious position. A full house of 42,000 ‘Tugga’ disciples roared with approval as he got off the mark and I guess many turned to their mate and speculated about a record equaling century. On that, you probably wouldn’t have got any odds from the bookies.

His superlative performance under intense pressure started as many memorable knocks we’ve seen before from Steve. He is the most single-minded cricketer in the game and that was evident as he got solidly behind the ball when needed but displayed ferocity frequently when he dined out on the short, wide deliveries from the England pacemen.

Rarely had he looked so determined. The roof was lifted from the stadium as he raced to his fifty that included 10 belligerent fours. His adoring legion of fans rose as one as he reached 69. Seemingly everyone in the ground was spontaneously aware that he had become only the third cricketer in the history of the game to pass 10,000 Test runs. Could he do it? Could he get those extra 31 runs to equal the Don’s century record?

Of course he could.

Adam Gilchrist played a part as he farmed the strike to Steve to enable the great man to complete the encore. Last ball of the day, 2 runs required. A signature square cut for four was greeted by a crescendo never witnessed before at the S.C.G. and the celebrations erupted.

The normally phlegmatic Waugh punched the air and raised both arms triumphantly in a rare show of emotion as the capacity crowd had their dreams realized.

It was a moment to savour - Waugh in the Windies has a nice ring about it!