Waugh fumes!
A penalty for the Aussies 

Man! Was he angry! The mighty Australian captain who loves to win was hopping mad at his team and the match referee Brian Hastings. The strong position that seemed to be their’s to keep, was seen frizzling away - only to lose to South Africa by a full 8 runs.

Yes, it did make sense that Waugh was angry. It was the final of the one-day cricket international at Melbourne's much talked about stadium. Come on, it was hard work chasing a 206 for 7 after the Proteas had been well… tottering at 19 for 4. Here's more - Unable to overcome a two-over penalty for a slow overrate, they finally finished their 48 overs for 198 for nine. So, where does that leave the Aussie home team? The three game series, now famously played indoors was declared a tie.

The man who led Australia to the world cup, Steve Waugh wants to win. What is commendable is, that, an angry Waugh made no excuses. He said that the batting was not good enough. He further said that he was "astonished " when told of the two-over penalty handed down by New Zealander Hastings. But here's something to ponder upon. "There were things said there that I should not say here - they might get some people in trouble - but I just could not believe we were fined, I was led to believe we were okay,” said the skipper.

That sure is food for some thought. After all, the fate of a game does lie in the hands of the umpire. What does one do if the player believes with strong conviction that he is on the right side of things? Well, going by what happened in this case, he dare not refute the all-important umpire or they might get their wrath - and get fined too!

Waugh To The Rescue------

Steve Waugh is going the charity way, these days a charity dinner, which raised Rs. 20.85 lakhs, is not a bad deal at all. The funds were raised for Leprosy patients and their children. A three-day visit on Wednesday to Calcutta, especially for the cause, saw Waugh spending hours on end with 400 excited children. For a fee of Rs. 200 each, the school children got photographed with good old-soul Waugh. Photographs and autograph were taken in groups of 20.

Waugh was given a warm welcome the traditional way, as he arrived at the CCFC (Calcutta Cricket and Football Club). He spoke about leprosy and pleaded to do away with all the myths associated with it. Funds were raised through photographs, T-Shirts and Caps – all autographed by contemporary cricket’s most successful caption. Waugh also urged people to sponsor at least one under privileged child. The children were delighted the most when Waugh promised to return to the city every year and work for the Udayan children.

The world needs more noble souls like dear old Waugh. Cronje, are you listening?

An Epitome of a Fighter
Steve Waugh 

Popularly know as Steve Waugh, this 35-year-old Aussie is the epitome of a fighter. Nicknamed as Tugga (short for tug-of-war), it is difficult to erase from memory of him clenching his fist as a sign of victory following the sensational 120 against South Africa in the recent World Cup!

Born on 2 July 1965 at Canterbury, Sydney, He is a right-handed batsman and a right arm medium bowler. Easily, one of the most dependable players we have around today, this Waugh brother is definitely a living legend.

Initially, brought into the team in the eighties in the One Day side, Waugh has now evolved into a responsible Test batsman. Even though he was an indispensable member of the 1987 World Cup winning side, he suffered greatly from his back and groin problems. This has ever since prevented him from his aggressive medium pace bowling.

He has more than 21 Test centuries to his name and a consistent average of usually above 50. But, he would perhaps be most remembered for his double ton against the West Indies at Sabina Park in1995 as well as his twin hundreds at Old Trafford in 1997. 1999 saw him take over captaincy and he led his team to a glorious World Cup win!

Till date Steve has been the most successful Captain for the Australian team under who’s guidance Australia has blossomed into one of the finest team. Australia has really learnt to depend on him. And with brother Mark, he has formed one of the most famous successful brotherly team in the history of cricket.