Waugh completes recovery to play in fifth Test

Will Swanton

August 23, 2001

Australian captain Steve Waugh today completed an astonishing recovery from injury to take his place in the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Oval.

Waugh tore his left calf muscle 19 days ago attempting to run a single at Trent Bridge and initially he thought his series was finished.

Torn calves normally take between four and six weeks to mend.

However, he threw away his crutches after two days and underwent intensive treatment for up to 12 hours a day in the hope he would be available for one last Test in England.

His inclusion in the XI was not announced until 30 minutes before play while he walked to the pitch in blazer and baggy green cap for the toss.

"I'm good enough, good enough," Waugh said.

He admitted yesterday he would not be 100 per cent fit but said it was rare for any Test cricketer to play without a few niggling injuries.

All eyes were on Waugh during Australia's pre-match drills and even though he looked comfortable, team management delayed officially naming him.

Doubts ended when he left the squad early and headed for the pavilion to get changed for the toss while deputy Adam Gilchrist stayed on the field in his tracksuit.

Waugh elected to bat.

It was the 14th straight lost toss for England captain Nasser Hussain.

"Lost tosses, not games," he said.

England named offspinner Phil Tufnell and medium pacer James Ormond in two changes to the side which won the fourth Test at Headingley.

© 2001 AAP

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