Australia lost the fifth Test match of the 2002-03 Ashes series to England by 225 runs. This result prevented Australia from achieving an Ashes series whitewash.
Steve Waugh's Career Context
Steve Waugh was a central figure in Australian cricket, known for his focus on winning. He captained Australia to victory in the 1999 Cricket World Cup and led a period of significant dominance, including a record 16 consecutive Test wins. By 2002, Waugh was the last active player to have debuted in the 1980s. His performance in 2001-02 led to public discussion regarding his position in the Test team.
Prior to the Ashes series, Waugh scored 103 runs not out in a Test against Pakistan, which secured his place in the Ashes squad. During the 2002-03 Ashes series, media speculation about his potential retirement intensified, despite Australia's series victories. Selectors issued a statement of support for Waugh for the duration of the series, but without guarantees beyond that point. Waugh scored 53 runs in the third Test and 77 runs on Boxing Day.
The SCG Century
On day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Waugh came to the crease with Australia at 3 wickets for 50 runs, in pursuit of 362. He reached 50 runs off 61 balls and subsequently became the third player in Test history to surpass 10,000 career Test runs.
As the day concluded, Waugh was positioned to achieve a century. He started the final over of the day, bowled by English spinner Richard Dawson, on 95 runs and on strike. After scoring three runs earlier in the over, he reached 98 runs. Adam Gilchrist, at the non-striker's end, faced a delivery and scored a single, rotating the strike back to Waugh for the final ball of the day. Facing the last ball on 98 runs, Waugh hit a boundary through cover, reaching 102 runs not out.
Following the century, several members of the England team shook Waugh's hand. The crowd at the SCG called Waugh out onto the balcony multiple times after play concluded.
Aftermath and Legacy
On the subsequent day, Waugh was dismissed for 102 runs without adding to his overnight score. England then secured an easy victory in the match. The century became a notable event in Australian cricket, perceived as a moment where the individual performance overshadowed the match's outcome.
Waugh continued his career for another year, scoring three additional centuries. His final Test century occurred against Bangladesh in Cairns. He retired after the corresponding Test a year later, scoring 80 runs against India in a match also remembered for Sachin Tendulkar's 241 not out. Waugh concluded his career with the most Test caps for Australia and the highest number of centuries by an Australian player at the time of his retirement.
His 2003 SCG century remains a significant highlight of his career.