Waugh available for West Indies tour

BRISBANE: Australia’s Test cricket captain Steve Waugh has confirmed that he is available for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies.

“Steve is available to tour West Indies,” Australian Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman Peter Young told Reuters yesterday. “He has advised chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns that he’s available for selection. Steve will talk to the media tonight.” Waugh, 37, who has played 156 Tests, a world record he shares with fellow Australian Allan Border, has refused over the past two months to make clear if he was available for the Caribbean tour which begins at the end of this month. He was not selected for the one-day squad contesting the World Cup in southern Africa. Australia’s selectors will choose the tour squad today and are expected to announce the 15-man party tomorrow.