October 21 Monday 2002
Ton-up Steve Waugh relieved to be back in form 

SHARJAH: Australia's captain Steve Waugh said on Sunday he was delighted to return to form with his 28th Test century and hoped to continue in the same vein. Waugh silenced his detractors with a spectacular 103 not out, his first three-figure knock after 16 barren innings, on the second day of the final Test against Pakistan here. 

"I have played better knocks before, but when this one came after such a long time it was pretty satisfying," the 37-year-old said. Waugh, under pressure to retain the captaincy for the upcoming Ashes series against old foe England, struck timely form to hit 13 boundaries and two sixes. Stranded on 82 when last man McGrath joined him, the 37-year-old smashed leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for 20 runs in one over - 4,4,0,0,6,6 - to race to his hundred. 

"To get a century with a six and with the baggy green cap on the head is pretty special. It does not get better than this," Waugh said. "It is nice to get runs, nice to be captain and score a century for the team. "I am pleased and hope to consolidate and continue making runs." Waugh admitted he was under a lot of pressure before this Test. "It was pretty strong pressure, but that has not happened only now," he said. "I have had pressure around me for a long time. "You are expected to score runs at the international level. 

I had faith in my ability and backed my instincts." Waugh overtook former team-mate Allan Border to move to fourth place in the list of leading centurions behind Indians Sunil Gavaskar (34) and Sachin Tendulkar (30) and Australian legend Don Bradman (29). Waugh would not take victory for granted in the final Test despite reducing Pakistan to 163-6 in reply to Australia's 444. Pakistan still need 82 runs to avoid the follow-on, but Waugh said he was not sure of enforcing it after Australia's disastrous experience against India at Calcutta last season. India, made to follow-on 274 runs behind, build a huge second innings total and then shot Australia out to record a memorable victory. "After Calcutta, I am more careful. It is still quite open," he said. "We had hoped to bowl out Pakistan quickly today but the later order batsmen hung on." Hasan Raza and Saqlain Mushtaq put on 63 for the unbroken seventh wicket after Pakistan were struggling at 100-6.