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Grandfather's death mars Waughs' joy

Steve and Mark Waugh's World Cup joy was marred by the death of their grandfather just hours after Australia beat Pakistan in the final at Lord's yesterday.

Edward Waugh died in a New South Wales hospital. He was 89.

Rodger Waugh, father of Steve and Mark, received the news at 0700 hours in Sydney, less than six hours after Steve lifted the trophy as the winning captain.

Steve and Mark Waugh had vowed to win the cup for their ailing grandfather, but never got the chance to share their triumph with him. Steve's wife, Lynette, broke the news to them in London by telephone.

''I've just heard from the boys and they're very upset,'' Rodger Waugh said today. ''They were pretty close to him. He's been sick for two or three weeks, but he was not in a lot of pain, and they were very thankful for that.

''It has mucked their plans up. It has put a damper on everything.''

Rodger Waugh said his father had slept a lot during the past few days.

''I don't know whether he saw the final, but I'm sure he did,'' Rodger Waugh said.

When Mark Waugh scored a century against Zimbabwe earlier in the World Cup, he dedicated the innings to his dying grandfather, who had scarcely missed a ball in their cricketing careers.

Mark's middle name, Edward, was given in honour of his grandfather.

It's understood their grandfather's funeral service has been arranged for Thursday, so Steve and Mark can attend.

UNI