Waugh in jeopardy

The Australian chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns has confirmed for the first time that discussions have been held with Steve Waugh about his Test-playing future. With Waugh still harbouring slim hopes of finding a way back into Australia's one-day squad for the World Cup, Hohns has admitted he has the selector's support only until the Sydney Test starting 2 January.

"We've had initial discussions with Stephen and at the moment he has our support until the Sydney Test," Hohns told Sydney newspaper The Sunday Telegraph. "The decision is then up to him as to whether he wants to continue or not – if he does, he will be judged on form like any other player, there's no push."

Waugh has hinted that he wants to remain in charge for another 18 months. That would take him up to Australia's next tour of India, the only place Waugh has failed to win a Test series.

Waugh is Australia's most successful Test captain with 32 wins from 43 matches and will equal Allan Border's world-record 156 Test appearances when he plays in Sydney. But he has struggled for form over the past 12 months, with a century in Pakistan in October close to a career-saving innings. The one-day captain Ricky Ponting is expected to be named Waugh's replacement if and when the 37-year-old retires from Test cricket.