Waugh says time is running out for Australia

Maria Abraham

Captain Steve Waugh said time is running out for Australia ahead of the first Test after they conceded a 125-run first innings lead to Mumbai on Friday.

Waugh scored an unbeaten 106 in the three-day warm-up game but his team managed only 203, with none of the other batsmen coming good and Mark Waugh sidelined with a hand injury.

"We've got to be a lot more disciplined in our batting," Waugh said.

"We've got to knuckle down and bat better tomorrow. After that, we have three days to get ourselves together before the first Test.

"I know we can do it, but we're running out of time."

The first Test starts in Bombay on February 27.

Australia, 133 for eight at one stage, were in danger of being asked to follow-on before Waugh and Glenn McGrath came together for a 70-run ninth wicket stand.

"It would have been embarrassing to follow on against a first class side," Waugh said.

Three years ago, Australia lost a warm-up game to Bombay and failed to recover by losing the Test series that followed 2-1 to India.

Despite key batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who led the assault then, opting out, Mumbai built a 208-run lead going into the final day's play on Saturday.

The visitors suffered a major blow on Thursday when prolific scorer Mark Waugh tore the webbing between the ring and small fingers of his left hand attempting a catch.

Steve Waugh said he hoped his twin brother would be fit for the first Test.

"I think he's 50-50 recovered. He's got to get on the nets and see if he can bat. We've got to go by what he says and if he's not alright we won't play him. But I'm hoping he'll play," he said.

But Waugh, who has yet to score a Test hundred in India, was happy with his own batting form.

"I did not expect a hundred but it's nice when it comes along," he said.

Waugh struggled initially, but played some good shots in a gritty 162-ball knock.

Mail Cricket Editor