October 29 Tuesday 2002
Waugh pays tribute to Mark

SYDNEY: Australian captain Steve Waugh led the tributes to his twin brother Mark who announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday.

Steve, who played 108 tests alongside him, said he would miss his brother's presence when he leads Australia on the field for next month's first Ashes test against England.

"It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have played alongside my brother at test level for the past 12 years, spanning more than 100 matches together, and it will seem very strange not to have him with us when we walk out in Brisbane," the Australian captain said.

"Mark has been an inspiration not only to his team mates but also to a host of young players because of the way he has played the game – hard but fair and in a positive way.

Australian Cricket Board chief executive James Sutherland said Mark would be remembered as one of the country's all-time greats and his contribution would be recognised during the fifth Ashes test in Sydney in January.