Mark Waugh: Not long now

Mark Waugh, the veteran Australian batsman, has hinted that the coming domestic season could be his last in first-class cricket. Speaking at New South Wales's season-launch function in Bowral, Waugh suggested that he may well hang up his boots shortly.

"I'm not getting any younger," said Waugh, who's now 38. "I'm not saying this is it for sure, but I've got to be realistic. I'm probably nearly done. There are young players on the fringe at the moment who will be ready next year, and I don't want to stand in their way. But at the moment I'm still keen, and it's going to be another good year for the Blues [NSW], so why not keep going? You're a long time retired."

Waugh played 128 Tests for Australia, scoring 20 centuries, but is now focussing on a strong showing for his state in this season's domestic competitions. Last year he played a major role as NSW won both the four-day and one-day competitions, and he is keen to assist in the development of up-and-coming players, such as Michael Clarke, one of those in contention for Waugh's old spot in the all-conquering Australian one-day side.

"There's a lot of talent here," said Waugh. "Just being around them keeps me going a bit. Hopefully I can help make them better players."

Clarke, 22, has already represented Australia's one-day side, and is also tipped for a Test cap before the end of the coming southern summer. "He's very talented," Waugh commented, "but I still think he's got a little way to go. I think he'd be successful straight away if he got called up, but I'd like to see him make a few more hundreds in the Pura Cup first."

New South Wales kick off their Pura Cup season against Western Australia at the SCG on Nov 4. For Sydneysiders it should be a case of "Grab the esky! We're going to the cricket", for what could be one of their last chances to watch the silky skills of the junior Waugh.