Waugh gets big World Cup chance next Tuesday

SYDNEY - Steve Waugh has a golden opportunity to prove his World Cup credentials when he leads NSW in a 40-over-a-side match against a full-strength Australia at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday.

Waugh, omitted from Australia's 30-man provisional World Cup squad, remains hell-bent on somehow making the final 15-man touring party that will defend the world No.1 title in Africa in February and March.

The 37-year-old Test captain's first chance to rack up big runs comes tomorrow when NSW takes on England at the SCG in a one day clash.

But of even more interest will be his showdown against the awesome Australian bowling attack of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie and Shane Warne on Tuesday.

Lee expects Waugh to come out with all guns blazing.

"It's going to be a serious day, that's for sure," Lee said today at NSW training.

"There will be quite a few guys trying to prove a few points and I know that Steve Waugh will grab the chance with both hands.

"Never right Tugga off. He's a hard man and I'm sure he's going to come back.

"It's really hard for players like me to talk about selections.

"You can only do what you do and see what the selectors decide. But I'm sure Steve is going to put up a really good fight from here on in.

"He'll just try and score run after run after run and I'm sure he'll do a great job."

Waugh intimated tonight he would like an explanation from Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns as to why he was not considered among the best 30 one-day players in the country.

"I don't say they [the selectors] have to justify any of their selections, but if they did sometimes it would be nice," Waugh told Channel Nine.

McGrath, who helped protect Waugh's house from bushfires in the southern Sydney suburb of Alfords Point last night, took a slightly more light-hearted view, saying: "I'll try not to bowl him too many half volleys, but you never know."

McGrath and England batsman Nick Knight both said they expected Waugh to be full of motivation with the bat - and who knows, maybe even the ball - at the SCG tomorrow night.

"I'm sure Steve will be looking forward to getting out there and having a very good match," said McGrath.

"All the players have a lot of confidence in him still and he'll be keen to do well."

Knight, who was not in the England side that stumbled and bumbled its way through the first three Tests, said: "Steve Waugh wants to play well wherever and whenever he plays.

"He's a fine player and I've got nothing but respect for him. Most people do in cricket.

"He's a great player, he's going to try to get back in (the Australian one-day team) of course.

"But if the selectors feel they've got better players it shows the strength they've got."

Australia's final World Cup squad will be announced by December 31.