Steve Waugh says he is waitingfor next week's ACB rankings to see if he is near to winning back a place in the one-day team for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

The player rankings are decided by the Australian selectors, who rate their top 20 players in both one-dayers and Tests. The rankings are used to determine the 25 contracted players.

"I'm the same as anyone else - performances have got to be on the board," said Waugh, who was dropped in February after leading Australia in 106 one-day internationals.

New captain Ricky Ponting then led the Aussies to a 5-1 one-day series win against South Africa.

"You've got to be fit, you've got to be ready and I want to be considered if someone gets injured or the form of another player drops," Waugh said.

"I'm hoping to be first in that queue, so I've got to put myself in that position by getting runs, taking wickets if I bowl, just playing good cricket.

"If I can get the performances on the board, then you're going to be forcing the selectors' hand somewhat if a position becomes available."

The 36-year-old Waugh said he had embarked on a punishing training course to make sure he was fit.

"I want to make sure I give it my best shot at trying to get back in there.

"I don't want to sit back in a few years' time and say, 'I wish I would've tried harder to get back into that one-day side.' I want to make sure I've done everything possible to try to get back there. I don't want to go half-hearted."

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