Is there any way back for the Waughs?

Australia dropped skipper Steve Waugh and brother Mark after the world champions failed to reach the final of the triangular series with South Africa and New Zealand at the start of the year.

And now they have failed to make the 14-man squad for next month's series against Pakistan, and September's Champions Trophy event which will feature all the major cricket nations.

Hinting at the end of the Waughs' dreams, chief selector Trevor Hohns said the fixtures would give the squad the chance to "gel into a unit capable of defending Australia's champion status at next year's World Cup".

Do you agree with the decision?

37? They've got at least five years left in them.
Alec Stewart, England

Australia cannot win the World Cup without the leadership and batting of Steve Waugh. Without Steve they do not have the ability to beat India or Pakistan. Only Steve has the maturity and talent to tackle the Asian bowlers.
Jack, USA

If the Waughs are in form, play them. If they are out of form, still play them. Both are hugely talented and vastly experienced and those two things count for more than anything when the real pressure's on and it's time to deliver.
Carl Shankland, St Louis

If only England were in the enviable position of being able to drop players of their calibre! Mark Taylor was shoved out in similar fashion a few years ago, so Steve should see the writing on the wall. However, Mark is still up there with the top Aussie one day players and if I were the tour manager I'd take him. Great cricketers both of them, sadly the twilight beckons.
Lawrence Taylor, Japan

Silly.
Mark Turner, England

Dropping the Waugh brothers is a big mistake and may haunt Australia for a long time. In a clutch situation, I would want no-one but Steve there in the middle against the likes of Shoaib etc.
Haroon, Pakistan

The Australian selectors want young guys for the World Cup, and for some reason they think the Waughs will be using walking sticks by then. There is no way back, and this was already known when they were dumped.

The selectors already said it was not performance, it was their age. Which is why it caused outrage in Australia. They have no chance of getting back unless the current selectors all go away.
Jimmy Simms, Australia

The decision to leave out the Waugh brothers is outrageous. They are the two most experienced cricketers of our time. The selectors of the Aussie board are over-cautious.

If all other countries followed the same routine, it would be hard to see Ganguly, Stewart, Akram, Jayasuriya, and Fleming on their respective squads. All these players still play leading roles in their teams. Star players have their bad tournaments too, and it's unfair to treat them like rookies.
Parth, US

I am a big admirer of the Waugh twins and was sorry to see them dropped. However, the selectors have made their decision and the series leading up to the World Cup will determine whether Australia can manage without them. The jury is still out on Ricky and his team with one series win and one loss!
Michael, Australia

If you don't want them then we'll have them!
Big Dave, England

Steve deserves a place in any team. I think it very unfortunate the way he has been treated by the ACB and the selectors. I would love to see him playing in the World Cup Final, 2003.
Amir Malik, Germany

It's true that neither brother is at his best, but I believe that they must be in the World Cup squad. We should never forget the various instances when Steve has single-handedly brought up the Aussies from the brink of defeat. It would be a fitting tribute to include him in his last stage of the career!
Nik, US

It is not quite fair to say that the Waughs are not performing, because they haven't even been playing international games. Steve has done so many great things as captain and player, and it would be truly inspiring to see him lifting up the World Cup again.
Chen Burger, UK

The time is right to bring in the young guns? What about Alec Stewart then? Shouldn't he be replaced too? I believe you should play your best team and frankly, Mark and Steven are among the best the Aussies have. It isn't even a case of them not performing! Wonder what's next?! It's really sad for cricket!
Snehal Shah, UK

The Australian selectors must be complemented for the gutsy move to drop the Waughs from the one-day team. One-day cricket has advanced so much in recent times that only the fastest and the fittest rule.

It is a little unfair on them when you consider their enormous contribution to the game, but you have to give way to the future. The Australian one-day team had way too many 30+ players and was beginning to look old and jaded.

Besides, a thrashing of South Africa and a 330 chase shows that the team is in excellent hands with an able captain. The Waughs should now concentrate on Tests and plan to retire honouably from Test cricket. They are 37 after all, and not getting any younger!
Atul, USA

Certainly a good idea not to be too reliant on a few players. Australia have, in recent years, had a big enough pool of quality players to be able to have the luxury of dropping class players occasionally. (And if Australia doesn't want the Waughs anymore perhaps we could figure out a way of getting them to play for England).
Tim, UK

I don't know the details of the Waugh brothers' performances over the last year but the rules are simple: If they're playing well keep them in. If they are not still keep them in for a few games simply because they are extraordinary players.

If after a few games they still do not perform, drop them. They may be extraordinary when they're on form but when they're not they are just like any other out of form player. Well done guys. Both of you have been an inspiration to many and will be for years to come.
Oliver, UK

I think it's a good decision by the Australian selectors. At 37 they have had a long and distinguished career, but the time is right to bring in the young guns. I don't think the Waugh brothers can feel hard done by - they know their time is up and they can't be selfish now.

They can proudly step away from one day international cricket knowing they have made their mark, and become legends in their own time. Well done boys! Cricket salutes you!
Mike, UK

Cricket has for too long been a sport where reputations keep players in the team. I fully support the decision to drop the Waugh brothers. Australia need to look forward, and not doing so will cost them their world title in South Africa!
Natalie Jessup, Brighton

Australia have an array of world-class players who can't make the team, so I think it's only fair to drop those who aren't performing and give a chance to those who are!
Debbie Shaw, Riddlesdown, England