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Aussie tactics revive memories of underarm controversy

Australia's bizarre tactical move at the cricket World Cup yesterday brought back memories of the infamous underarm controversy for central figure Brian McKechnie.

Australia meandered to a win over the West Indies in yesterday's clash, taking its time in a bid to freeze New Zealand out of the Super Six stage.

In 1981, McKechnie was on strike and needing six to win off the last ball when Australian captain Greg Chappell ordered brother Trevor to bowl the ball along the ground.

The outrage was instant. McKechnie threw his bat, the Chappells became hated figures in New Zealand and the laws were changed.

"It's the same scenario as 1981,'' McKechnie said today. "It's in the rules, but it mightn't be morally right."

Waugh said the World Cup rules were to blame for his decision to take as long as possible to overtake the West Indies score.

"I don't know about it being moral, but it was within the rules and we needed the two points,'' Waugh said afterwards.

Under World Cup rules, teams reaching the Super Six stage take with them points earned in the first round against other Super Six qualifiers. If West Indies qualify, Australia will start on two points but it will have none if New Zealand progresses instead.

"You have to be careful because every time they tinker with the rules they open up another area for someone to exploit,'' McKechnie said.

"To a point I can see why they have done it. At least Waugh has been honest about it. It's a pity New Zealand didn't beat someone else to avoid all this.''

New Zealand now faces a tough challenge to qualify, having to thrash Scotland later today.

Meanwhile, Australia's opposition leader Kim Beazley got into the controversy, giving Waugh full praise.

"Now, a captain like Steve Waugh has got to be not only a great tactician on the field, he's got to be a great mathematician as well,'' Beazley said. "I'm glad it's him doing the job and not me.''

AP