It is great news for me and the group: Ponting
Saturday, March 15 2003 16:07 Hrs (IST)

Sydney: Steve Waugh's decision to make himself available to tour the West Indies was applauded by Test captain-in-waiting Ricky Ponting on Saturday. Australian Test captain Waugh informed selectors on Saturday that he wants to play in next month's series against the West Indies.

Ponting had said he expected 37-year-old Waugh to keep playing because "he's probably the best batsman in the country at the moment" and was far from surprised by Waugh's decision.

"I think it's great that Stephen has decided to play on," Ponting told Australian Associated Press in South Africa on Saturday.

"At the end of the Australian summer, the players were adamant that he should keep going, particularly with the way that he finished off the Ashes series.

"Since we've been overseas we have seen what good touch he is in back at home with some big scores for New South Wales.

"I think the whole player-group will be thrilled with his decision."

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Stephen Waugh in no mood to bid farewell