Cricket: Don't forget Wright's contribution

By RICHARD BOOCK

What price John Wright now?

The success of India's New Zealand-born coach was almost lost in the outpouring of emotion at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, as Australian man-of-the-moment Steve Waugh wound up one of modern cricket's most influential careers.

Waugh's last stand could not quite give Australia a sniff of the winning total, but it at least allowed him to bow out on a personal high, having posted 80 runs to leave him with a test average of 51.

While all Australian attention was centering on Waugh, India were paying homage to some of their own heroes, notably Wright, who has helped his team cement a reputation as one of the strongest in the world game.

Under Wright, India, regarded as one of the worst touring sides around, have beaten Australia at home, captured test wins in England and the West Indies, reached the final of the World Cup, and shared the ICC Knockout Trophy.

The New Zealander was not widely accepted in India after his appointment, and only began collecting genuine support after India started showing a noticeable improvement in areas such as commitment, preparation and fortitude.

Wright, who hopes to return to New Zealand in some sort of coaching role following his stint with India, applied for the Black Caps' job in 1999, but missed out after NZC opted for David Trist.

His Indian team, derided by New Zealander Craig McMillan in November on the basis that they couldn't play outside the sub-continent, will now prepare for possibly the biggest rivalry in the game - a test series against Pakistan.

As for Waugh, he left the game yesterday on a extraordinary high.

He departed as not only one of most respected names in cricket, but probably the man who did more for the modern era than any other.

* Waugh didn't immediately get a stump as a reminder of his final test - but New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden did, AAP reports.

Best known for his extravagant signals, including raising a crooked finger for dismissals and rubbing his thigh like a lady of the night for a leg bye, Bowden did what the players are supposed to do after a special match and grabbed a stump.

Waugh was left empty-handed . . . unless Bowden was going to hand it over later on.

Bowden was as emotional as anyone when the match finished.

Guarding the stump as if his life depended on it, Bowden was the last in line as players and officials queued to shake Waugh's hand.

But instead of a shake, he hugged Waugh like he might never see him again.

And then, during the presentation, Bowden pulled out his camera, stood in the front row and took a succession of happy snaps, his flash going off more than anyone in the crowd.

He even joined the huddle of press photographers for the team shoot.

Perhaps later, when Waugh filed his match report, Bowden was going to ask him for an autograph.

It must have been all he could do not to carry Waugh around on his shoulders. No harm done.

Who could blame Bowden for acting like a starry-eyed, dazed teenager?

For the last five days, he's had the best seat in the house.

And made the most of it.