The Hindu : Taylor denies "Retire Waugh" remarks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 20, 2003

Sport

Sport - World Cup

Taylor denies "Retire Waugh" remarks

Former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor denied that he called on his successor Steve Waugh to retire from the sport.

Taylor issued a statement refuting a story based on comments allegedly made to the cricket World Cup's official website.

Taylor was quoted in The Daily Telegraph in Sydney as saying: "I think he (Waugh) should be more realistic and call it a day. He was a great player for Australia but it's time now for him to make way for others."

But the statement from Taylor, who is working as a television commentator at the World Cup, said he "vigorously denied" the quotes attributed to him.

"Since arriving in South Africa on Feb. 9 I have not made any public comments concerning Steve Waugh, nor have I given any interviews on the subject," Taylor said.

"And in the two World Cup matches that I have so far been part of as a commentator I have made no reference to Steve whatsoever.

"I completely refute comments attributed to me in a so-called interview reported on the official ICC World Cup website dealing with Steve Waugh and several other issues.

"I have steadfastly stayed clear of the public debate concerning Steve's future.

"Having been through something similar myself back in 1997 I can well appreciate what Steve is going through. That's why I have consistently refused to enter the debate as to whether he should keep playing or retire."

Waugh, 37, said on Tuesday he was still trying to decide whether to continue in international cricket, saying he was uncertain whether he would make himself available for Australia's tour of the West Indies in April.

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