March 7, 2004 – Last day on the field for the Waughs

Steve Waugh and Mark Waugh were the first ever twins to embrace the Men’s International cricket had a different beginning to their careers for state team and Australian team as well. However, the twins’ professional careers came to an end in the same game. The Waugh brothers represented their state team New South Wales in the 2003/04 season’s Pura Cup post their International retirements. The tournament turned out to be the final part of their professional cricket that spread over three decades.

March 4-7, 2004 – New South Wales vs Queensland, Sydney Cricket Ground:

NSW hosted Queensland in the 2003/04 season’s final league game of the Pura Cup in Sydney. They needed a win in the game and also Tasmania to lose against Victoria for making it to the Final against Victoria. Queensland posted 418/9 after the home team’s skipper Steve Waugh elected to bowl first. Aaron Nye’s 102 and Andy Bichel’s 112 were crucial in the total as they lost six wickets for just 202. The pair shared a 189-run partnership for the 7th wicket in 47.4 overs.

In response, Michael Bevan (79*) and Steve Waugh (65) steadied the innings with a 108-run stand after they were three down for 63. NSW were 196/4 during the first session on day three before rain washed out the remainder of the day. This forced Steve Waugh to declare their innings and Queensland too for making an early declaration in the 2nd innings as both the teams needed a win to make it to the final. The visiting side declared on 54/1 after batting nine overs to set a 277-run target to NSW in about four hours of play.

The New South Wales went to Tea break at 16/2 in 12 overs and needed another 261 to win in the final session. Michael Clarke (27), Bevan (36) and Steve Waugh (9) got out in the run chase leaving their team at 92/5 in 32.5 overs. A determined Mark Waugh came out all guns blazing to ensure it won’t be his career’s final game. Waugh put on 115 in 73 balls with Brad Haddin to bring down the equation to 70 from around ten overs. At this point, Mark Waugh gave a return catch to Andy Bichel to depart for 49-ball 72 which included seven fours and three sixes.

Haddin’s unbeaten 63-ball 62 run knock couldn’t save the team from a defeat as New South Wales were bowled out for 239 and Queensland winning the game by 37 runs to qualify for the final.