Sydney: Rain forced the cancellation on Tuesday of a One-day match between New South Wales (NSW) and Australia that would have offered Steve Waugh a last chance to press his claim for a spot on his country's World Cup side.

Officials waited until the last minute to call off the match at the North Sydney Oval but the rain, which had been falling through the night, failed to let up.

Waugh, captain of the Australian Test and NSW state teams, was left out of the preliminary 30-man team for next year's World Cup One-day tournament announced by Australia earlier this month, although selectors had left open the possibility he could be added later as an all-rounder.

But to gain the spot it was widely held that Waugh would have to prove his bowling form against the Australia One-day team in Sydney on Tuesday.

Australia plays its first match in the Limited Overs tri-nation series against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
ICC to soon announce decision on status of Zim WC ties
Thatscricket Special: World Cup 2003