Greig: Waugh Retirement Is A Bonus

Former England captain Tony Greig believes Nasser Hussain should see the retirement of Mark Waugh as a major boost for the first Ashes Test.

Waugh announced he was quitting international cricket after being omitted from the Aussie line-up for the November 7 clash in Brisbane.

Greig told Sky Sports News: "I'd take it as one up to England if I were captain. It is positive from England's view. I can't see [Waugh's replacement] Darren Lehmann is going to be any more frightening."

Waugh's former Test team-mate Merv Hughes admitted he was surprised at the selectors' decision.

He said: "Mark has a fantastic record against England. He got a century on his debut, and his numbers stack up very well against England."

Hughes fears even if Australia don't need Waugh's runs, they could miss his safe hands in the slips.

He told Radio Five Live: "I think he can be replaced as a batsman, but as a slip fielder he has been fantastic.

"I don't think the change needed to be made yet. I thought they might give him the first two matches and then see how things were going."