Double trouble as Waugh brothers set world record

By Anant Gaundalkar

Mark Waugh and twin brother Steve Waugh not only became the first - and thus far, only - pair of twins to play against the West Indies, have also created history by appearing together for their country 44 times - the 44th instance being the opening Test against South Africa at Johannesburg.

In the process, they surpassed the previous best of 43 combined Test matches set up by yet another illustrious pair of brothers - in fact, compatriots - Ian and Greg Chappell. Ironically, both the Chappells were present at the Wanderers, in their capacity of TV commentators.

Apart from the above two instances, there are four occasions of brothers playing more than 20 combined Tests for their respective countries. They are New Zealand's Martin and Jeff Crowe (34 Tests together), Mushtaq and Sadiq Mohammad (26) of Pakistan, Peter and Graeme Pollock (23) of South Africa, and Andy and Grant Flower (23) of Zimbabwe.

Following are the complete details:

Brothers                     Tests        Period



Steve and Mark Waughs         44     Vs. West Idnies, 1990-91 to 

                                     vs. South Africa, 1996-97



Ian and Greg Chappells        43     vs. England, 1970-71 to 

                                     vs. England, 1979-80



Jeff and Martin Crowes        34     vs. England, 1983 to 

                                     vs. Pakistan, 1988-89.



Mushtaq and Sadiq Mohammads   26     vs. New Zealand, 1969-70 to 

                                     vs. India, 1978-79



Peter and Greame Pollocks     23     vs. Australia, 1963-64 to 

                                     vs. Australia, 1969-70



Andy and Grant Flower         23     vs. India, 1992-93 to 

                                     vs. England, 1996-97.