Harvey was particularly critical of Waugh

Yet support for Waugh has not been completely consistent from his fellow cricketers with as many praising the selectors, as siding with him.

Neil Harvey, former Australian Test batsman, was particularly critical of both Waugh and his twin Mark.

"Money is the only thing that keeps them playing," he told the Herald Sun.

"If they earned the same money as I did when I was playing they'd have retired at 34 as I did, and Australian cricket would be the better for it."

However, his former skipper Richie Benaud has stood full square behind Waugh, together with fellow New South Walian Doug Walters, with both men implying that the sacking smacked of panic on the board's part.

Right decision

Others remained convinced that the selectors have shown the kind of presience they did in 1997-98, when Waugh himself replaced Mark Taylor as one-day skipper.

"There's nothing wrong with his captaincy but at age 37 you get less chances to have mediocre performances," former Australian paceman Geoff Lawson commented.

"I think the selectors have some young men they want to give a game to and sadly someone has to go.

David Hookes, former skipper of South Australia and a veteran of 23 Tests said, "Yes, they (the selectors) got it right."

"It was a tough decision but a right decision.

Thomson believes Waugh is past his best

"He's batting at No.5 and not bowling. We don't have an allrounder apart from Gilchrist.

"That is hurting Australia."

His former colleague from the Australian side of the 70s and early 80s, Jeff Thomson went further than most.

"On his form since the World Cup he should have given it away," he said.

"I have been a fan of his but there comes a time when you've got to say you're not doing the job."

The view that Waugh had passed his sell by date also cropped up in several of the newspapers .

"It's sad to see his magnificent career begin to fray and unravel against his will, but at least he and the selectors were honest about it," wrote Ron Reed in the Herald Sun.

Yet despite many people touting this name and that, the question remains of who will replace Waugh both as skipper and as a batsman.

The Australian's Mike Coward points out, "The selectors feel there are batsmen around who can now do better than Waugh.

"There might be, although the identities of said players hardly spring to mind."

World Cup the test

Come the World Cup in 2003 and all will be revealed but Peter Roebuck in the Syndye Morning Herald speaks of a possibility that may have Allan Border feeling bilious once more.

"It is worth repeating the question put in this newspaper last week.

"Australia are 3-70 in the World Cup semi-final and the pavilion gates open. Who do you want to see emerging?"

Perhaps the final word should go to one of the many irate fans posting on the message boards of News Interactive.

"Selectors, you've just dropped the next world cup!"