Waugh takes another chunk from the record books

MELBOURNE - Steve Waugh returned from an overnight trip to the dentist to take another chunk out of Test cricket's record books at the MCG today.

The Australian captain took just seven minutes today to complete his 23rd Test century, eventually finishing unbeaten on 121 in the first innings of the Boxing Day clash with the West Indies.

Waugh was left unbeaten on 98 overnight before heading straight to the dental surgery to mend an annoying toothache which plagued the 15th anniversary of his Test debut.

The 35-year-old returned today for a typical knock. He was as watchful and correct as ever, recording his 11th unbeaten century in Tests.

Along the way he passed Sir Vivian Richards' career tally of 8540 runs, moving into fifth place on Test cricket's all-time list with 8561.

He also passed brother Mark and the late Sir Colin Cowdrey to move into fifth place for Test runs scored against the Windies.

Waugh now has 1805 runs at an average of 47.5, moving him behind the likes of Sunil Gavaskar (2749), Geoff Boycott (2205), Graham Gooch (2197) and Allan Border (2052).

He is also fifth on the list of Test runscorers at the MCG, moving to 1064 runs to sit behind Sir Donald Bradman (1671), Allan Border (1272), Greg Chappell (1257) and Sir Jack Hobbs (1178).

But the statistics were not as important as Waugh's innings which saved Australia from a potential meltdown.

They were 4-105 when Waugh came to the crease, starting a knock which lasted a tick over six hours, and it justified his faith in the tailenders.

Waugh refuses to farm the strike because he shows belief in his players and Jason Gillespie (19), Colin Miller (29) and Glenn McGrath (11) repaid their skipper today as Australia added 139 runs for the last three wickets.