The Hindu : Waugh and Hayden slam centuries

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 07, 2003

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Waugh and Hayden slam centuries

GEORGETOWN (Guyana) April 6. Captain Steve Waugh and Matthew Hayden blasted centuries as Australia reached 377 for three at the close of the first day's play in its three-day match against Guyana Board XI on Saturday.

Waugh was unbeaten on 106 and opener Hayden made 102 as Australia made a confident start in its only match before its four-Test series against the West Indies.

Opener Justin Langer (60), Martin Love (56) and Darren Lehmann (44 not out) also looked comfortable.

Waugh, Langer and Love were not part of Australia's World Cup-winning team in South Africa last month.

The trio showed they had not lost touch while playing in Australia's four-day championship in recent months after Waugh led his side to a 4-1 Ashes Test series win over England in January.

Waugh hit 13 boundaries and a swept six onto a nearby tennis court on Saturday at the Everest ground.

The 37-year-old reached his hundred in 145 balls while left-hander Hayden did so in 120 deliveries aided by the fast outfield.

Waugh produced a century in his most recent test appearance, the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, and has also hit three for New South Wales in limited overs and four-day matches since New Year.

Love, who made his Test debut in December when Lehmann fell ill before the fourth Ashes Test, is expected to join the left-handed Lehmann in the middle order for Thursday's first Test.

World Cup hero Damien Martyn was ruled out on Friday with a broken finger and remained at home in Perth.

Uncapped 22-year-old Michael Clarke is en route to Guyana as a replacement for Martyn, a veteran of 33 Tests.

Australia rested fast bowler Brett Lee and vice-captain Ricky Ponting from its opening tour match.

The scores: Australia 377 for three (M.Hayden 102, J.Langer 60, S.Waugh 106 not out, M.Love 56, D.Lehmann 44 not out) vs Guayana Board XI. — Reuters

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