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Steve Waugh is Australia's new captain

Steve Waugh, one of cricket's finest players, was named today as the 40th captain of Australia's Test team, succeeding Mark Taylor who retired last week.

Waugh was favoured to win the job after 111 Tests and 13 years of playing international cricket for Australia, but recent injuries opened the door for Shane Warne, his deputy in the limited-overs side.

Australian Cricket Board chairman Denis Rogers said Warne, 29, would be Waugh's deputy for the West Indies tour starting next week.

Waugh and Warne would hold the positions for the World Cup in England if they are picked in that squad.

"It's a great thing for me,'' the 33-year-old Waugh said. "It's something I never thought would come my way. Growing up as a kid I wanted to play for Australia and it's always been my dream, and to be captain is a great honour.''

He said he did not see any need for change in the team's style of play. "We are playing very well, aggressive cricket, and that's how I play the game. I play to win.''

While Waugh had been sidelined by injury for nearly all the games of the ongoing tri-series, Warne has done a sterling job leading the side to six consecutive wins and to within one victory of lifting the title.

His attacking fields and extroverted style of leadership have been a revelation, but Waugh had long been touted as Taylor's successor. He led the Australians to tri-series success in Australia last year as well as series wins in India and Pakistan.

Warne said yesterday, "I didn't expect to be named skipper. I just expect Steve to be captain basically, like everybody else does. I'd like to think I have a chance. I think I have grabbed my opportunity in the one-dayers and done a pretty good job.''

Warne said both he and Waugh had been relaxed in the lead-up to today's announcement and dismissed any suggestion of tension between the pair as they both chase the most prized job in Australian sport.

"A lot of people ask me if Steve and I are not talking and that sort of stuff,'' he said. "Well, we have known each other for 10 years and are very good friends and I will have no problem playing under Steve and I don't think he would have any problems playing under me if I was to get it.''

The two have contrasting personalities, with Waugh the introverted batsman who likes to lead by example and Warne the extroverted leg spinner not frightened to take a gamble.

Warne was tainted by his involvement with an illegal Indian bookmaker and his lack of experience as skipper also counted against him.

UNI