On the face of it, Steve Waugh is not the type of man with whom to pick an argument.

Perhaps the most committed cricketer on the planet, his approach has rubbed off on his teammates and helped make Australia the dominant force of the modern era.

Although respectful of the game's traditions, he is no stranger to the not so noble art of sledging.

But a Test batting average of over 50 and a willingness to exert every last drop of energy on his team's behalf have won him admirers all over the cricket world.

Waugh has a compassionate side - to the children of the Udayan home in Calcutta he is a hero for his fund-raising efforts on their behalf.

Late arrival

Ganguly insists he simply bent over the coin to see which side was uppermost and could not tell whether it was heads or tails.

"I could not be bothered what Waugh says. I am within my rights to seek a clarification from the match referee," he said.

Indian newspaper The Hindu believes, however, Ganguly has decided to give Australia a taste of their own medicine.

His approach is understandable if, as has been claimed, he has been subjected to 'verbals' by the Australian fielders whenever he has been at the crease.

Ganguly's reaction when he dismissed Waugh at Indore suggested that their rivalry has now become personal.

One thing is certain - Waugh will not back down from a challenge.

And like elephants, Aussies do not forget.