Waugh ensures place in history

STEVE WAUGH ensured his entry into Australian cricket folklore with an outstanding century to bring up yet another milestone in his illustrious career and to ensure the final Test against England remains firmly in the balance.

With speculation mounting that this could be his final Test on his home ground and the selectors refusing to guarantee him a place after this match, the scene was set for some sort of response from one of the outstanding cricketers of his generation.

But even Waugh, hero of more than one Australian triumph since making his debut 17 years ago, could not have forecast such a fairytale finish to a compelling second day of the final Ashes Test at the SCG.