Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh today said the prospect of a million dollar salary wouldn't keep players in the Test team past their use-by date.

Waugh welcomed a new pay deal that will make Australian cricketers the best paid in the world, but said the extra money would not influence on-field performances, or the duration of their Test careers.

"Money shouldn't influence how long you play and I think that will show through," Waugh told reporters in Melbourne today.

"If someone is playing for money, their performances won't be up to scratch.

Waugh said the players were happy with the deal.

"It's something we've been working on for a while and I think it's obviously fair because the cricket board have agreed with the ACA (Australian Cricketers' Association).

"As players we're very happy, but with that comes more responsibility."

Asked who was likely to be Australian cricket's first million-dollar man, Waugh said fast bowler Brett Lee was the favourite.

"There's guys who are doing pretty well, but Brett Lee would have to be at pretty short odds I think," he said.

"Good luck to them whoever it is. You never know, it might be Steve Waugh."

Australian batsman Simon Katich said the prospect of more money would not change how he played the game.

"As a player, you've got to get the runs on the board and take wickets and perform," he said.

"It's all good thinking about that sort of stuff and the figures, but at the end of the day, you've still got to go out there and play good cricket.

"From a cricketer's point of view, you can't really think about those things too much."

© 2001 AAP