Despite his well-documented dislike of the media, Mark Waugh looks set to emulate his old team-mates Ian Healy and Mark Taylor by swapping the crease for the Channel Nine commentary box. Gary Burns, Channel Nine's director of sport, said discussions with Waugh's management will begin on Thursday. "He commentated in the mid-winter season here - the one-dayers against Pakistan - and went pretty well," said Burns. "But I'm not sure he's a certainty this summer for the central commentary position. He's going to play first-class cricket for New South Wales this season and that goes on at the same time as the international season."

Burns insisted that Channel Nine was not desperate to secure Waugh's services. "[We're] not that keen, we are full - fuller than a fat lady's sock really. Nobody's going to join the commentary team while they are still playing, so he's going to have at least another season. But we're hoping we can work out a way we can see him guest commentating on appropriate matches."

Burns pointed out that the crowded international fixture list would lead to further opportunities for Waugh. "Don't forget the World Cup [in South Africa next year] for instance. We will have a major hosting and downstream operation back here in Sydney while that's all going on and I hope to see him involved in that."

Waugh, who played 128 Tests in a 12-year career, retired from international cricket on Monday after being dropped for next week's first Test against England at Brisbane.

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