Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh (b. 1965), former cricketer, became captain of the Australian cricket team when Mark Taylor retired in early 1999. Waugh made his test debut against India in Melbourne in 1985/6. Initially valued for his aggressive medium pace bowling and run-scoring in the middle order, he developed into one of the most dependable batsmen in contemporary cricket. Some of his greatest efforts were his 200 against the West Indies in 1995, his twin centuries against England at Old Trafford in 1997, and his daring 120 against South Africa in a crucial match in the 1999 World Cup. He also featured in many high-scoring partnerships, including one of 464 with his brother Mark for NSW in Perth in 1990-1991. A World Cup title and sixteen consecutive Test wins testify to his capabilities as captain. He played his last game as captain in January 2004; soon after, he was named the Australian of the Year. Waugh has twelve books to his credit, as well as several DVDs, and he co-wrote the song 'The Baggy Green'. His awards include Wisden Australian Cricketer of the Year (2000-2001), International Test Player of the Year (1996, 1997), Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1989) and Australian Father of the Year (2005); he is a designated Living National Treasure.

Australian of the Year 2004