Waugh wants Aussies at #1 again

SYDNEY: Australia’s demotion to number two on the ICC Test rankings would serve as extra motivation in their four-Test series against the West Indies, Test captain Steve Waugh said yesterday.

Waugh’s team were to fly to the Caribbean yesterday and the 37-year-old skipper said he was keen for Australia to return to the number one ranking. “Unless we win this series we will remain the number two side so there is a lot to play for,” Waugh told reporters at Sydney airport. “I’ve thought about it a few times. “I know the other guys probably haven’t as yet but once we get over to the West Indies that will be one of the motivating factors.”

Australia drew 2-2 four years ago in the Caribbean in Waugh’s first series as captain but embarrassed the tourists 5-0 in Australia in 2000-01. “People expect us just to turn up and beat the West Indies - it is not going to be the case. It is a tough tour to be on, but enjoyable,” said Waugh, who equalled Allan Border’s world record of 156 Test appearances in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney in January. Batsman Damien Martyn, who broke his finger at the World Cup and is remaining in Perth for treatment, is the only real injury concern after fast bowler Jason Gillespie, who was sent home from the World Cup with a heel complaint, bowled in the nets last week and declared himself fit. The first Test starts in Guyana on April 10.