R Craddock: Steve Waugh comments on Malik's inclusion (23 Oct 95)

Title: Waugh Tips Tough Fight Author: Robert Craddock Source: Herald-Sun (October 23, 1995)

Australian all-rounder Steve Waugh predicted the inclusion of Malik in the Pakistan side would make Australia`s task of winning the series much harder.

"He`s a very good player and they`ll be a better side with him in it," he said last night. "I guess we were hoping he wasn`t going to be in the team.

"Obviously there`s going to be a lot of talk about his selection and what`s happened in the past. That`s got to be forgotten. You`ve got to get on with the series. There`s no point in dragging it (the bribery allegations) up again.

"As far as we`re concerned, we`re just going to play them and do out best."

In Pakistan Salim Malik`s older brother, Ashnan Malik, said the cricket world owes Malik an urgent apology.

He said his brother had suffered greatly from the stress of the bribery allegations made against him.

These comments will draw little sympathy from Australian cricketers who are certain Malik attempted to bribe Shane Warne and Tim May to bowl badly during the first Test at Karachi a year ago.

"His name has been soiled around the cricket world," Ashnan Malik said. "These have been very difficult times for Salim and his family.

"He has no fears walking down the street here because people think he is innocent. It has not effected his standing here. He never felt as if his Test career would end as a result of these allegations. He kept all his gear.

"I think he will play good cricket in Australia because he feels he has something to prove. He was delighted when the decision came through. He may be on the outer with Australian crowds but Salim is a very tough person. He has come through the toughest time of his life."

Malik began his Test career as an 18-year-old in 1981-82. He has struck 13 centuries and 24 50s in making 4804 runs at 45.75.

The 32-year-old veteran of 84 Tests is regarded as one of the game`s best players of slow bowling.