NSW v Victoria - Pura Cup

[Donny]

Waugh vows to "get up" for NSW

By Will Swanton - Fox Sports


STEVE Waugh admits he'll need to dig deep to refocus on playing for New South Wales in Newcastle this week so soon after his heady exit from Test cricket.

But the NSW skipper says he intends to be ready and to do what he can to help his young state teammates for the rest of the season.

Waugh and his family will pack the car and hit the freeway tomorrow for the two-hour drive north of Sydney for defending champion Blues' Pura Cup match against competion leader Victoria, starting Friday.

The former Australian captain faces a huge task to avoid feeling flat following a farewell Test that was the stuff of dreams.

"It's going to be difficult, there's no doubt about that," said Waugh.

"But you've got to look at the NSW side.

"They're keen and there are a lot of young guys there and I have a responsibility – I'm still the captain of that side. I've got to manage to lift.

"It's always been great playing for NSW. Newcastle is a bit more laid back, so I've got to get myself up for it."

Waugh could be excused for pulling the pin on all cricket, even playing in the backyard with his son Austin, after saying goodbye to Tests in such perfect fashion at the SCG.

He made a match-saving 80 before being carried around his favourite ground on the shoulders of his teammates with the Australian flag across his shoulders and baggy green cap on his head.

John Williamson was singing and John Howard was clapping and thousands upon thousands of people waved, sang and cheered him goodbye from grandstands and living rooms.

Many cried.

Nothing in the Pura Cup can match that, but Waugh wants to fulfill his commitments.

"It's where I started, for NSW, so I'm finishing up where I started," he said.

"I think I owe the state something, they gave me my first opportunity. There are only five Pura Cup games and five ING Cup games and I think if I can help some young players, then it's going to be worthwhile."

[Donny]

NSW won the toss and batted. After 10 overs, they are 0/25.

[Donny]

NSW were cruising along at 1/101 before McDonald (2/15) claimed Jaques (56) and Thornely (0) in the over before lunch. 3/101.

[Donny]

Steve Waugh was caught behind for 7 from Lewis. 4/125.

[Donny]

5/175 in the 51st. over.

Allan Wise just dismissed Mark Waugh for 20. Katich is batting well, on 70 n.o.

[JLC]

Go the Vics.....let me guess no selectors at the game.....lmao

David Hookes has done marvellous things with this team

jlc

[Donny]

6/206 at tea. White got Katich out for 76.

Honours probably in favour of The Bushies but it really depends how this wicket is playing.

[Donny]

Mick Lewis has 3/58 as NSW go to 7/267. Haddin is 47 n.o.

[Donny]

White takes his second and NSW are 8/269.

Now 9/271 as Lewis (4/62) grabs his 4th.

[JLC]

Too easy

Vics in 3 days....lol

jlc

[JLC]

MacGill has made 10 runs..........thats embarrassing

Come on Vics

jlc

[commonwombat]

Mr Hookes deserves great credit for his rejuvenation of the side and his promotion of younger players. Having said that, he also has the annoying problems of verbal flatulence and overstating his case that afflicts Steve Rixon in NSW.

[JLC]

Well someone has to promote the Victorian players!!! I guess its like MM having a crack at the selectors of the All Australian team when we had no representatives in 2002.

jlc

[Sultan of spin]

I think the selectors might be watching this one but only because we are playing NSW, they will be trying to work out which NSW player will be next to play for Oz.

Anyway if the Vics can get the 1st Innings points here it will consolidate our position at the top of the table.

[commonwombat]

Fear not downtrodden Victorians, salvation is at hand. Why doesn't Victoria just secede from the rest of Australia. Nuff sed!!