Australia captain Waugh out of fourth Test

Nottingham, England, Aug 5: Australia captain Steve Waugh will definitely miss the fourth Ashes Test at Headingley starting on August 16 and may be out for the rest of the series.

Waugh was carried off on a stretcher Saturday with what turned out to be a double calf muscle tear.

The injury happened one ball after he came into bat against England during Australia's seven wicket third Test victory here at Trent Bridge that put his side 3-0 up in the five match contest and gave them the Ashes for a record seventh successive series.

As he took a single off his first ball, from Alex Tudor, Waugh pulled up in pain and hobbled to the other end.

He received on field treatment before being stretchered off and later had the injury iced before going to hospital for a scan.

Asked whether his tour was finished, Waugh said: "Most probably it is. You never give up all hope, but most likely it is.

"It felt like someone throwing a ball into my calf muscle from short range," he said.

"It was a bit of a shock first up. It was a tense feeling, very sharp and awkward.

"When you hit the ball you are not sure what has happened. But shortly afterwards I realised there were going to be serious problems and my tour was basically over."

Australia vice-captain Adam Gilchrist took over as Australia eased towards the 158 they needed and is expected to be in charge at Headingley although no decision has been made as yet.

"As far as the captaincy is concerned there will be a decision sooner rather than later," said Australia press officer Brian Murgatroyd. "That needs to be considered by the board of selectors before an announcement is made."

In the meantime Australia will continue their campaign to take the Ashes home with them. By tradition, no matter which team wins them, the Ashes urn remains in the museum at Lord's.