Editing Steve Waugh (section)

==Captaincy==
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; width: 40%; font-size: 90%;"
|-
!colspan="8"|'''Steve Waugh's record as captain'''
|-
|&nbsp;||Matches||Won||Lost||Drawn||Tied||No result||Win %
|-
|Test<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Test Captains|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=1;id=2;type=team|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016212319/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=1%3Bid%3D2%3Btype%3Dteam|archive-date=16 October 2015}}</ref> ||57||41||9||7||0||–||71.93%
|-
|ODI<ref>{{cite web|title=List of ODI Captains|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/australia/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=2;id=2;type=team|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927204001/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/australia/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=2%3Bid%3D2%3Btype%3Dteam|archive-date=27 September 2015}}</ref> ||106||67||35||0||3||1||65.23%
|-
|colspan=2|''Date last Updated:''
|colspan=8|2 September 2015
|}

===ODI captain===
Waugh took over the captaincy of the [[one-day cricket|one-day]] side in 1997–98, after captain [[Mark Taylor (cricketer)|Mark Taylor]] and vice-captain [[Ian Healy]], the two oldest players in the team were dropped<ref name="k263">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=263}}</ref> following Australia's failure to qualify for the Australian tri-nations tournament in the 1996–97 season.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} Planning began for a more modern team for the [[1999 Cricket World Cup]],<ref name="k263"/> with the batting prowess of new wicket-keeper [[Adam Gilchrist]] to prove critical. The new team made a difficult start, losing all four of its preliminary matches against [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]]<ref name="odilist">{{cite web| title= Statsguru – SR Waugh – ODIs – Innings by innings list | url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/guru?sdb=player;playerid=1795;class=odiplayer;filter=basic;team=0;opposition=0;notopposition=0;season=0;homeaway=0;continent=0;country=0;notcountry=0;groundid=0;startdefault=1985-12-26;start=1985-12-26;enddefault=2004-01-06;end=2004-01-06;tourneyid=0;finals=0;daynight=0;toss=0;scheduledovers=0;scheduleddays=0;innings=0;result=0;followon=0;seriesresult=0;captain=0;keeper=0;dnp=0;recent=;viewtype=aro_list;runslow=;runshigh=;batposition=0;dismissal=0;bowposition=0;ballslow=;ballshigh=;bpof=0;overslow=;overshigh=;conclow=;conchigh=;wicketslow=;wicketshigh=;dismissalslow=;dismissalshigh=;caughtlow=;caughthigh=;caughttype=0;stumpedlow=;stumpedhigh=;csearch=;submit=1;.cgifields=viewtype |publisher=ESPNcricinfo| access-date=5 June 2008}}</ref><ref name="auslistodi"/> as [[Michael di Venuto]], [[Tom Moody]] and [[Stuart Law]] were all tried as [[Mark Waugh]]'s new opening partner.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=264}}</ref> Waugh himself struggled, scoring only 12 runs, including three ducks in his first six innings before scoring 45* in the last round-robin match to ensure Australia qualified for the finals ahead of New Zealand.<ref name="odilist"/><ref name="auslistodi"/>

However, with Gilchrist's elevation to opener in the finals series, Australia defeated the South Africans 2–1.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=265}}</ref> Waugh scored 53 and 71 in his two innings, and ended the series with 181 runs at 22.63. He bowled only four overs and took a solitary wicket in the series, which was his first ODI wicket in over a year.<ref name="odilist"/>

[[File:Stencil waugh.JPG|thumb|left|220px|[[Stencil]] drawing depicting Steve Waugh]]
Waugh scored steadily in the 1997–98 Test season against New Zealand and South Africa, getting to 80 three times in six Tests without going on to a century and averaging 40.89; Australia won both series. He bowled more often than in the preceding few years and took six wickets at 17.33.

The southern hemisphere season ended with Waugh leading his first overseas tour, a four-match ODI tour of New Zealand. He scored 112 runs at 37.33 and took three wickets at 42.00 as the series was drawn 2–2.<ref name="odilist"/><ref name="auslistodi"/>

On the 1998 tour of India, he hit 80 in the Second Test at Calcutta, but missed the following Test due to injury. He ended with 152 runs at 38.

He recovered to lead in the triangular tournament in India. Australia won both games to Zimbabwe but lost both to India. However, Waugh's men turned the tables in the final to beat the Indians by four wickets. Waugh contributed with bat and ball, taking 2/42 and scoring 57. This was followed by a triangular tournament in Sharjah, where Australia won all four group matches against India and New Zealand. This time, the Indians turned the table to win the final by six wickets despite Waugh's 70.<ref name="odilist"/><ref name="auslistodi"/> Waugh totalled 254 runs at 28.22 and eight wickets at 33.50 for the two tournaments.<ref name="odilist"/>

Later in the year, he top scored with 157 in the First Test against Pakistan at Karachi, enabling Australia to force an innings victory and gain their first victory in the country for 39 years. It formed the basis of Australia's 1–0 series win, in which Waugh scored 235 runs at 58.75.

Waugh led the ODI team in a 3–0 sweep of Pakistan after the Tests, but he managed only 40 runs at 13.33.<ref name="odilist"/><ref name="auslistodi"/>

The following season, Waugh suffered hamstring injuries and missed the majority of the ODI tournament.{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}} In the two matches in which he played, Waugh made only a duck and 20 and Australia lost both matches.<ref name="odilist"/><ref name="auslistodi"/> [[Shane Warne]] led Australia to victory in his absence,{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}} winning eight of the remaining 10 matches.<ref name="auslistodi">{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/guru?sdb=team;team=AUS;class=oditeam;filter=basic;opposition=0;notopposition=0;decade=0;homeaway=0;continent=0;country=0;notcountry=0;groundid=0;season=0;startdefault=1877-03-15;start=1877-03-15;enddefault=2007-11-20;end=2007-11-20;tourneyid=0;finals=0;daynight=0;toss=0;scheduledovers=0;scheduleddays=0;innings=0;followon=0;result=0;seriesresult=0;captainid=0;recent=;viewtype=resultlist;runslow=;runshigh=;wicketslow=;wicketshigh=;ballslow=;ballshigh=;overslow=;overshigh=;bpo=0;batevent=;conclow=;conchigh=;takenlow=;takenhigh=;ballsbowledlow=;ballsbowledhigh=;oversbowledlow=;oversbowledhigh=;bpobowled=0;bowlevent=;submit=1;.cgifields=viewtype |title=Statsguru – Australia – ODIs – Results list |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 December 2007}}</ref>

Waugh began the Ashes series with centuries in the First Test at Brisbane (112) and the Third Test at Melbourne but was criticised for taking singles off the first ball of the over, and exposing the tail-end batsmen to the strike. [[Stuart MacGill]] and [[Glenn McGrath]] fell to [[Darren Gough]] after one such instance as Australia collapsed in the second innings whilst chasing a small target. This criticism could be considered more than a little unfair, however, given his strong record overall of batting well with lower order batsman such as Merv Hughes, Jason Gillespie, Ian Healy, Shane Warne and even Glenn McGrath precisely by putting his faith in them. In the Fifth Test of the season, Waugh was involved in a century partnership with brother Mark for the second consecutive year. Again however, he fell within sight of triple figures for 96, while his brother reached his century. Australia won the Test and the series 3–1.

===Struggles in the Caribbean===
Mark Taylor retired at the end of the 1998–99 season and Waugh replaced him as Test captain, beginning with a tour of the Caribbean. Australia was expected to win as the West Indies had just been whitewashed 5–0 by South Africa.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} After easily winning the First Test, Australia was stymied by West Indies skipper [[Brian Lara]], who batted with [[Jimmy Adams]] for the entire second day of the Second Test. This led to a victory for the home side, and in the Third Test, Lara batted for the entire final day to secure an unlikely win by one wicket. This result placed Waugh under immense pressure and he made a controversial decision to drop Shane Warne from the team for the final Fourth Test.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} Australia won the final Test despite a third consecutive century from Lara, and retained the Frank Worrell Trophy 2–2.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|pp=288–289}}</ref>

The subsequent ODI series between the two teams was drawn 3–3.<ref name="k291">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=291}}</ref> The series was notable for two incidents. In the fifth match at [[Bourda|Georgetown, Guyana]],<ref name="k290">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=290}}</ref> Waugh was facing the bowling of [[Keith Arthurton]] with his team needing four runs from the final over to win.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} He struck the last ball of the match into the outfield, and attempted three runs to tie the match.<ref name="k290"/> A crowd invasion resulted in all the stumps being removed, with Waugh out of his ground when the ball was returned by the fielder. The match was declared a tie.<ref name="k290"/> During the West Indies run-chase in the final match in Barbados, local batsman [[Sherwin Campbell]] was run out after he fell over because of a collision with the bowler ([[Brendon Julian]]) who was attempting to field the ball.<ref name="k290"/> This resulted in a crowd riot and Waugh was nearly struck in the head with a glass bottle.<ref name="k291"/> The match continued after Campbell was reinstated, but Waugh criticised the security and questioned the integrity of the match.

Waugh struggled in the lead-up to the World Cup, scoring 135 runs at 22.50 and taking two wickets at 33.00.<ref name="odilist"/>

===1999 World Cup victory===
Australia then had a slow start to the [[1999 Cricket World Cup|1999 World Cup]] in England. After a scratchy win against [[Scotland cricket team|Scotland]], Australia suffered defeats to New Zealand and Pakistan,<ref name="k291"/> so they had to win their two remaining group matches (against [[Bangladesh cricket team|Bangladesh]] and the West Indies), then all three "Super Six" matches to progress to the semi-finals: this meant seven consecutive matches without defeat to win the World Cup.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=292}}</ref> After defeating Bangladesh, Waugh and [[Michael Bevan]] were criticised for deliberately batting slowly in order to minimise damage to the net run rate of the West Indies. This would enhance Australia's chances: if the West Indies' run rate remained high, they would qualify ahead of New Zealand. Since the Australians had lost to New Zealand, it would be the Kiwis that carried two points through to the next phase if the West Indies was eliminated. If the West Indies proceeded, then Australia would carry over two points from the win.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=293}}</ref>

When questioned about the ethics of this manipulation at a press conference, Waugh retorted, "We're not here to win friends mate".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cricket.deepthi.com/world-cup-cricket-1999.html|title=Australia Won the World Cup|publisher=CricketCircle|access-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> Having beaten India and Zimbabwe in their first two Super Six matches, Waugh saved his best for two must-win games against South Africa: he scored an unbeaten 120 against South Africa in the "Super Six" phase and 56 in the semi-final.<ref name="odilist"/> The latter match was tied and Australia progressed to the final,<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=294}}</ref> where they crushed Pakistan by eight wickets to win the trophy.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=296}}</ref>

The World Cup victory did not immediately turn around Waugh's fortunes in the Test arena. The following tour to Sri Lanka continued the difficulties, when Australia lost the First Test in [[Asgiriya Stadium|Kandy]],<ref name="auslist"/> a result exacerbated by a horrific fielding collision between Waugh and [[Jason Gillespie]]. Waugh's nose made contact with Gillespie's shin as both attempted a catch. Gillespie suffered a broken leg<ref name="k299"/> that sidelined him for 15 months,{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} and Waugh had his nose broken.<ref name="k299">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=299}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/84059.html|title=Jason Gillespie and Stephen Waugh injury update|work=Cricinfo Australia|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|date=10 September 1999|access-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> Although Waugh returned for the following match,<ref name="k299"/> the last two Tests were drawn due to interruptions from monsoonal weather.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} Waugh had a lean series with 52 runs at 17.33.<ref name="testlist"/> Waugh's team then travelled an inaugural Test against Zimbabwe at Harare. Australia won by ten wickets and Waugh's 151 not out was the first century in Tests between the nations.<ref name="k299"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154090.html|title=Inaugural Test Match – Zimbabwe v Australia 1999–2000|work=Wisden|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|access-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> After the team's return home, [[John Buchanan (cricketer, born 1953)|John Buchanan]] replaced [[Geoff Marsh]] as team coach.

===World record of 16 consecutive Test victories===
The 1999–2000 Test season, his first as captain in a home series, saw further change as Gilchrist ousted Healy from the wicket-keeper's position.<ref name="k299"/> With Gilchrist averaging over 50,{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} the team went on to claim a clean-sweep of both Test series, 3–0 against Pakistan and India respectively.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|pp=300–302}}</ref> Waugh had a lean stretch during the Pakistan series, scoring 58 runs at 14.50,<ref name="testlist"/> but his team won by margins of ten wickets, four wickets and an innings respectively.<ref name="auslist"/> Waugh returned to form in the First Test against India at the Adelaide Oval, scoring 150 in the first innings. Waugh only passed fifty once more in the series to end with 276 runs at 55.20.<ref name="testlist"/> Australia won all three Tests by comfortable margins of 285 runs, 180 runs and an innings respectively.<ref name="auslist"/>

After losing their first match, his team proceeded to win the season's triangular ODI tournament without further defeat. They then toured New Zealand and won the ODI series 5–1, losing their final match, which ended a world record of 14 consecutive ODI victories.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=303}}</ref> They then swept the Tests against New Zealand 3–0 in early 2000,<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=304}}</ref> taking the Tests by 62 runs, six wickets and six wickets respectively.<ref name="testlist"/> Waugh led the way in the Second Test at the [[Basin Reserve]] in [[Wellington]] with an unbeaten 151 but otherwise did not pass 20, totalling 214 runs at 53.50.<ref name="testlist"/> His men had won all nine of their Tests during the southern hemisphere summer.<ref name="auslist"/>

His team continued their winning streak with an undefeated home season in 2000–01 when the West Indies were white-washed 5–0. The first two Tests were won by an innings,<ref name="testlist"/> and the Second Test at the [[WACA Ground|WACA]] brought a twelfth consecutive Test victory, surpassing the record held by the 1980s West Indies team led by [[Clive Lloyd]].<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|pp=310–311}}</ref> Waugh missed the Third Test with injury and Gilchrist led the team in his absence and kept the winning streak alive.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}}<ref name="testlist"/> Waugh returned for the last two Tests and scored centuries in the first innings of both Tests with 121* and 103 respectively,<ref name="testlist"/> which Australia won by 352 runs and six wickets respectively.<ref name="auslist"/> Waugh compiled 349 runs at 69.80.<ref name="testlist"/>

Waugh then led the Australians undefeated in the triangular ODI tournament against the West Indies and Zimbabwe, despite employing a rotation system which saw the team often understrength with players rested.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=312}}</ref>

===Failure in India===

The only significant result that Australia had failed to achieve during Waugh's international career was victory in a Test series in India. Waugh began calling this the "Final Frontier"<ref>{{cite news |title=Waugh relishes challenge |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/1171510.stm |work=BBC Sport|date=15 February 2001 |access-date=22 July 2008 }}</ref> as Australia had not won there since 1969–70.<ref>{{Harvnb|Knight|2003|pp=268–271}}</ref> Australia easily won the First Test at [[Mumbai]] by ten wickets to extend the winning sequence to 16.<ref name="k322">{{Harvnb|Knight|2003|p=322}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title =1st Test: India v Australia at Mumbai, 27 February 3&nbsp;March 2001 Ball-by-Ball commentary |url= http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T1_27FEB-03MAR2001_BBB-COMMS.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date =28 February 2007}}</ref> India, looked set for defeat in the Second Test at [[Eden Gardens]] in [[Kolkata]] after conceding a first innings lead of 274.<ref name="k322"/> Waugh top-scored in the first innings with 110.<ref name="testlist"/> Waugh chose to enforce the follow-on, the only time that Australia had chosen to do so for more than five years.<ref name="auslist"/> However, [[V. V. S. Laxman|VVS Laxman]] (281) and [[Rahul Dravid]] (180)<ref name="k322"/> batted for the entire fourth day's play and set Australia a target of 384 on a dusty, spinning wicket. The Australians were unable to cope with the spin of [[Harbhajan Singh]] on the final day, and became only the third team to lose a Test after enforcing the follow-on.<ref>{{cite web| title = 2nd Test: India v Australia at Calcutta 11–15&nbsp;March 2001| url= http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T2_11-15MAR2001.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date =28 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Incredible India defeat Australia| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1221637.stm| work=BBC Sport| date=15 March 2001| access-date=2 March 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283938.html |title=Tests – Victory after Following-On|publisher=ESPNcricinfo| access-date=3 March 2007}}</ref> Starting the final Test well, Australia's batting collapsed on the second morning, losing 6/26 after Waugh became the sixth batsman to be given out [[handled the ball]]—he pushed a ball from Harbhajan away from the stumps after being hit on the pads.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/ci/content/records/275285.html| title=Tests – Unusual Dismissals|publisher=ESPNcricinfo| access-date=3 March 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Indian batsmen on top| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/in_depth/2001/india_v_australia/1229028.stm| work=BBC Sport| date=19 March 2001| access-date=2 March 2007}}</ref> Waugh's pair of 47s was not enough as Harbhajan finished with 15 wickets in the match to lead India to a two-wicket win in another thrilling finish.<ref name="testlist"/><ref>{{Harvnb|Knight|2003|p=323}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title = 3rd Test: India v Australia at Chennai, 18–22&nbsp;March 2001 Ball-by-Ball Commentary| url=http://www.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2000-01/AUS_IN_IND/SCORECARDS/AUS_IND_T3_18-22MAR2001_BBB-COMMS.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date =28 February 2007}}</ref>

Waugh's team regrouped and won a 4–1 series victory over England during the 2001 Ashes tour.<ref name="k329">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=329}}</ref> He scored 105 in the First Test at Edgbaston as the Australians started the series with an innings victory. Waugh did not pass 50 in the next two Tests,<ref name="testlist"/> but Australia won both by eight and seven wickets respectively to retain the Ashes.<ref name="auslist"/> However, Waugh pulled a calf muscle and missed the Fourth Test at [[Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground|Headingley]] which Australia lost.<ref name="k328">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=328}}</ref> In his final Test innings on English soil at The Oval, he combined with brother Mark (120) in a partnership of 197, and scored 157 not out.<ref name="k328"/> Australia won by an innings to seal the series 4–1, with Waugh scoring 321 runs at 107.00.<ref name="k329"/>

He was unable to maintain this form during the 2001–02 Australian season, failing to score a century in the six Tests against New Zealand and South Africa;<ref name="testlist"/> The first two Tests against New Zealand were drawn due to rain, and the Third also ended in a draw.<ref name="auslist"/><ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|pp=329–331}}</ref> Waugh failed to pass double figures until scoring 67 in the second innings of the final Test, finishing the series with 78 runs at 19.50.<ref name="testlist"/>

Australia then went on to face South Africa, who were the second-ranked Test team in the world and were seen as the leading challengers to Australian supremacy.

Waugh managed only eight and 13 in the First Test,<ref name="testlist"/> but Australia managed to win by 246 runs in any case.<ref name="auslist"/> His best score of the series was 90 in the Second Test at the MCG.<ref name="testlist"/> His innings was ended by a run out decision, which the umpire did not refer to the video umpire. Waugh attracted criticism for not leaving the ground until he had watched a replay of the incident on the stadium's video screen.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} Australia powered to a nine-wicket win and then polished off a 3–0 sweep with a ten-wicket triumph in the Third Test at the SCG, with Waugh scoring 30.<ref name="testlist">{{cite web| title= Statsguru – SR Waugh – Tests – Innings by innings list | url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/guru?sdb=player;playerid=1795;class=testplayer;filter=basic;team=0;opposition=0;notopposition=0;season=0;homeaway=0;continent=0;country=0;notcountry=0;groundid=0;startdefault=1985-12-26;start=1985-12-26;enddefault=2004-01-06;end=2004-01-06;tourneyid=0;finals=0;daynight=0;toss=0;scheduledovers=0;scheduleddays=0;innings=0;result=0;followon=0;seriesresult=0;captain=0;keeper=0;dnp=0;recent=;viewtype=aro_list;runslow=;runshigh=;batposition=0;dismissal=0;bowposition=0;ballslow=;ballshigh=;bpof=0;overslow=;overshigh=;conclow=;conchigh=;wicketslow=;wicketshigh=;dismissalslow=;dismissalshigh=;caughtlow=;caughthigh=;caughttype=0;stumpedlow=;stumpedhigh=;csearch=;submit=1;.cgifields=viewtype |publisher=ESPNcricinfo| access-date=5 June 2008}}</ref><ref name="auslist"/>

===ODI captaincy changed===
[[File:Steve Waugh ODI graph.png|350px|thumb|Waugh's ODI career batting performance.The red bars indicate his innings, and the blue line the average of his 10 most recent innings. The blue dots indicate innings in which Waugh finished [[not out]]]]
Australia made an uncertain start to the [[2001–02 VB Series]], losing the first three of its preliminary matches. A rotation policy designed to ease the workload on older players while giving younger players experience appeared to unsettle the team, and was scrapped. Following this decision, Australia won four of the last five matches, but failed to qualify for the finals for only the third time in 23 years. In their final match, Australia needed a win and a bonus point against South Africa as New Zealand captain [[Stephen Fleming]], in retaliation to Waugh's tactics in the World Cup, had conceded a bonus point to South Africa in the previous match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155077.html|title=VB Series 2001–02|work=Wisden|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|access-date=23 September 2009|author1=Richard Boock|author2=Paul Coupar}}</ref> The team's performance caused a reaction similar that of 1997. With an eye toward the next World Cup, the selectors dropped the Waugh brothers and handed the captaincy to [[Ricky Ponting]]. Waugh made his displeasure at the decision public and stated a desire to regain his place in the side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2002/s481385.htm|title=ABC TV: 7.30 Report 13&nbsp;February 2002 (transcript)|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=13 February 2002|access-date=23 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205143310/http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2002/s481385.htm|archive-date=5 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Continuing as Test captain, Waugh led the team to a 2–1 victory in South Africa to retain Australia's ranking as the number one team.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}}<ref name="auslist">{{cite web|url=http://stats.cricinfo.com/guru?sdb=team;team=AUS;class=testteam;filter=basic;opposition=0;notopposition=0;decade=0;homeaway=0;continent=0;country=0;notcountry=0;groundid=0;season=0;startdefault=1877-03-15;start=1877-03-15;enddefault=2007-11-20;end=2007-11-20;tourneyid=0;finals=0;daynight=0;toss=0;scheduledovers=0;scheduleddays=0;innings=0;followon=0;result=0;seriesresult=0;captainid=0;recent=;viewtype=resultlist;runslow=;runshigh=;wicketslow=;wicketshigh=;ballslow=;ballshigh=;overslow=;overshigh=;bpo=0;batevent=;conclow=;conchigh=;takenlow=;takenhigh=;ballsbowledlow=;ballsbowledhigh=;oversbowledlow=;oversbowledhigh=;bpobowled=0;bowlevent=;submit=1;.cgifields=viewtype |title=Statsguru – Australia – Tests – Results list |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 December 2007}}</ref> Australia crushed the hosts in the First Test by an innings and 360 runs, won the Second Test by four wickets, before losing the last.<ref name="auslist"/> His own form was poor,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155058.html |author=Neil Manthorp|title=The Australians in South Africa 2001–02|work=Wisden|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|access-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> with 95 runs at 19.00.<ref name="testlist"/> He left the tour once the ODI series began. Arriving in Australia alone, he faced media questioning over his playing future. Waugh's reply was, "We've just beaten the next best team in the world 5–1, and all you want to talk about is getting me out of the team."

The speculation continued about the future of both Waugh brothers in the lead up to the Test series against Pakistan played in mid-2002.<ref name="k342">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=342}}</ref> The matches were hosted in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[Sri Lanka]], due to security concerns following a bomb blast inside Pakistan.<ref name="k341">{{Harvnb|Knight|2003|p=341}}</ref> Australia had a crushing 3–0 win, winning the two latter matches by an innings,<ref name="auslist"/> but the Waughs had little influence on the result. However, Steve hit 103 not out in his last innings of the series, after scoring consecutive ducks.<ref name="testlist"/> This may have saved his career; his brother was dropped for the 2002–03 Ashes series and promptly announced his retirement from international cricket.<ref>{{harvnb|Knight|2003|pp= 346–349}}</ref>

Despite his team being well on top, Waugh struggled in the early part of the Ashes series and he scored only 106 runs in four innings in the first three Tests.<ref name="testlist"/> It mattered little to the match results; Australia crushed England in the First Test by 384 runs and proceeded to record consecutive innings victories.<ref name="auslist"/> In the Fourth Test at the MCG, he scored 77 in the first innings and took his first Test wicket in four years;<ref name="testlist"/> he did not bowl himself often as captain. However, his score of 14 in the second innings was characterised by many inside edges and false strokes led to increased speculation that he would be dropped.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} Australia managed to reach their target with five wickets down,<ref name="auslist"/> despite a stumble on the final morning.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}}

The Fifth Test in his hometown Sydney started with speculation that it would be Waugh's last Test unless he reversed his ongoing form slump.<ref name="k351">{{harvnb|Knight|2003|p=351}}</ref> Asked before the final Test to nominate the defining moment of a career likely to soon be over, Waugh made a prediction rather than reflecting, stating: "It might be yet to come".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Waugh's last ball century – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vuUhZ8p0b0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/_vuUhZ8p0b0| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.youtube.com| date=2 June 2014 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> On the second day of the match he then fulfilled this prophecy, scoring a chanceless century – bringing up three figures with a cover driven boundary from the last ball of the day (bowled by off-spinner [[Richard Dawson (cricketer)|Richard Dawson]]).<ref name="uk.cricinfo.com">{{cite web|url=http://uk.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2002-03/ENG_IN_AUS/SCORECARDS/ENG_AUS_T5_02-06JAN2003_BBB-COMMS.html|title=5th Test: Australia v England at Sydney, 2–6&nbsp;January 2003|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> Waugh left the ground to a standing ovation, having equalled [[Sir Donald Bradman]]'s then Australian record of 29 Test centuries,<ref name="uk.cricinfo.com"/> as well as saving his own Test career. In the second innings, Australia faced a large target and slumped to a heavy defeat by 225 on a deteriorating pitch, its only loss of the series.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}}<ref name="testlist"/> When he was dismissed cheaply in the second innings, Waugh ran off the field, as the crowd gave him a standing ovation amidst speculation he may choose to retire after what was regarded as a fairytale century.

The [[2003 Cricket World Cup|2003 World Cup]] came and Waugh's desire to return for a fifth World Cup was denied. A chance for a last minute reprieve came when all rounder [[Shane Watson]] was injured before the tournament. Waugh had been using his newspaper column to promote his bowling abilities and had been increasingly using himself as a bowler in an attempt to strengthen his case for a recall. However, his successor [[Ricky Ponting]] publicly called for the inclusion of then out of form [[Andrew Symonds]]. Ponting got his wish, and although the selection was regarded as being highly controversial at the time, Symonds established himself at international level with a series of match winnings innings.

During the April 2003 tour to the West Indies, Waugh made 25 in the First Test and did not bat in the Second, before scoring 115 in the Third Test victory.<ref name="testlist"/> Australia won all three Tests by nine wickets, 118 runs and nine wickets respectively.<ref name="auslist"/> He scored 41 and 45* in the Fourth Test to end the series with 226 runs at 75.33. It was in this match, that Australia lost as the home team broke the record for the highest successful Test run chase.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}} Waugh received some criticism over claims he refused to control his players. This came after a heated confrontation between [[Glenn McGrath]] and West Indian batsman [[Ramnaresh Sarwan]] as the hosts headed towards their target.{{Citation needed|date=July 2008}}

The Australian winter of 2003 saw Waugh score consecutive unbeaten centuries of 100 and 156 as Australia took a 2–0 sweep over Bangladesh with innings victories.<ref name="testlist"/><ref name="auslist"/> The Australian summer started in late-2003 and after scoring 78 and 61 in the two Tests against Zimbabwe,<ref name="testlist"/> which Australia won by an innings and nine wickets respectively,<ref name="auslist"/> Waugh announced that the 2003–04 series against India would be his last.

===Farewell season===
[[File:Steve Waugh Graph.png|right|thumb|350px|Steve Waugh's Test career performance graph]]
In the First Test, Waugh was involved in a controversial [[run out]] when he had a mix up with [[Damien Martyn]] and both players ended up at the same end. Martyn, who had established himself at the crease, sacrificed himself by walking out of his ground for Waugh, who had yet to score. This generated criticism that Waugh's farewell series was being put ahead of team victory. With long bowling spearheads [[Shane Warne]] and McGrath unavailable due to drugs suspension and injury respectively, Australia struggled to bowl out the Indian batsmen. After a rain affected draw in the First Test, the next two Tests were shared and Australia needed a win to reclaim the [[Border–Gavaskar Trophy]] in the final Fourth Test at Waugh's home ground at the [[Sydney Cricket Ground]]. Promoters paid tribute to Waugh by handing out giant red handkerchiefs to incoming spectators; Waugh had always used a red handkerchief to wipe perspiration while he was batting. Any hope of a win for Waugh's Australians disappeared when India batted into the third morning and amass 7/705 (with [[Sachin Tendulkar]] smashing 241*), obliging Australia to chase 449 with just over one day's play. Waugh's highest Test score of the season was his last: 80 in the Fourth Test at Sydney, which secured a draw for Australia. After an obdurate start to his innings, he took a more aggressive style once Australia had moved into a position of safety, striking several fours. It was the highest fourth innings score of his Test career. When he passed 50, several ferries on [[Port Jackson|Sydney Harbour]] sounded their horns in acknowledgement. A record fifth-day SCG crowd turned out to watch Waugh's final day as an Australian player.