November 04 Monday 2002
Waugh's offer to bat lower down for young team-mates 

SYDNEY: Mark Waugh has offered to bat lower than his usual No.4 spot for New South Wales to help the Test prospects of teammates Simon Katich and Michael Clarke.

Axed and retired from international cricket, Waugh will return to Sheffield Shield cricket on Friday after being named in the NSW 12 to play Tasmania at the SCG, prompting a batting lineup reshuffle.

With Corey Richards the player most likely to make way for Waugh, former Test opener Michael Slater is expected to move from No.6 to the top of the order for the first time since last December.

But the question of where Waugh will bat remains. 

Michael Bevan is established at No.3 and Waugh, captain Katich and rising star Michael Clarke are all in the mix for middle-order spots. NSW chairman of selectors Brian Taber said on Sunday that 37-year-old Waugh had offered to drop down from No.4 where he's played most of his distinguished career. "Mark suggested he doesn't want to bat in front of any of the young blokes that are looking for higher honours like Michael Clarke and Simon Katich," said Taber.

"He's happy to bat behind them, it's a terrific attitude for him to have." Taber didn't agree with some critics who suggested Waugh should be left out of the NSW team to make way for a promising youngster.

"We are obviously rapt from the Blues' point of view (to have him back), but I think it's a bit early for Mark to be out of that (Test) class of cricket because he's still good enough," Taber said.