Sydney: Steve Waugh says he was hurt not to be considered among Australia's preliminary squad of 30 for next year's World Cup in southern Africa. Selectors told the 37-year-old Test skipper last weekend during Australia's innings and 48-run victory over England to retain the Ashes that he would not be selected in the preliminary squad for the World Cup, which starts in February. "I was very disappointed not to be considered in the top 30 players," Waugh said on Tuesday. "I was disappointed and hurt by it and I want to try to prove them (the national selectors) wrong." Waugh, who has been working hard on his fitness in what many consider to be the twilight of his grand cricket career, has been sharpening his bowling as well in order to prove himself in the limited overs arena. "I still believe there is a chance I can make it to the World Cup as players can come from outside that 30-man squad to make the final 15. Chief selector Trevor Hohns spoke to me over the weekend to explain the decision and for now it's up to me to get over that disappointment and focus on what I can achieve in the immediate future." Waugh will be out to prove a point when he leads New South Wales (NSW) against England in a One-day game in Sydney on Friday. As captain of NSW he will be able to inject himself into the bowling attack. "I've just got to get runs and, if I bowl, take wickets and make an impression," Waugh said.

Extras:
Waugh will not give up captaincy voluntarily: Hughes
Waugh still counts on making it to World Cup squad

Tags: cricket, sydney, steve waugh, australia, world cup in southern africa, england, acb chief selector trevor hohns, new south wales, nsw.