Waugh to be assessed on a series-by-series basis

Steve Waugh has been told by the Australian selectors that he is not a certainty for the five remaining Tests in the Australian summer, and that his form will be assessed on a series-by-series basis.

Trevor Hohns, chairman of selectors, sought to play down the issue, stating that it was the norm to assess players after each series. "Every player is evaluated after every series. It's just the way it is," said Hohns. "We have regular discussions with players ... what those discussions are is totally private."

Waugh himself refused to furnish further information on the issue. "I have quite a few conversations with Trevor Hohns, but the contents of those conversations I'll keep to myself."

Meanwhile, Geoff Marsh, the Zimbabwean coach, came out in support of Waugh, saying that the Australians had no option but to select him. According to a report in The Advertiser, Marsh said: "He batted very well in the first innings. I think he's averaging about 80 in his last 10 Test matches. You can't argue with that.

"If you weren't talking age, you wouldn't be asking the question. It's just an age thing. But Stephen is actually performing well and doing well under pressure so if he's scoring runs at this level and doing it well, there's no reason to change it."

Waugh scored 78 in Australia's win against Zimbabwe in the first Test at Perth. Australia play one more Test against Zimbabwe - at Sydney from October 17 - before hosting India for a four-Test series later this year.