SHARJAH, Oct 20: Steve Waugh was relieved to end a dismal run of form with a defiant 103 not out Sunday as Australia strengthened their grip in the third and final Test against Pakistan.

The Australia captain’s 28th Test century took him ahead of former Australia skipper Allan Border (27) as the fourth most prolific compiler of Test centuries.

Waugh’s first Test hundred in 17 innings left him trailing only Sunil Gavaskar (34), Sachin Tendulkar (30) and Don Bradman (29) in the all-time standings.

“It’s always nice to get runs,” he said. “It’s nice being captain but I have to score runs to stay in the side.

“I now have to string together some good scores. But I am relieved to get the pressure off me.

“It (the century) is special — special in the sense that I wear the baggy green cap and hit a six to reach a century. It does not get better than that and that’s what makes Test cricket so special.”

Waugh added that he had been motivated by the mounting pressure of having to justify his place in the side through weight of runs.

“I like a bit of a challenge as you don’t want things too easy because it could make you complacent.

“I was feeling pretty solid today and I was not worried about Glenn (McGrath) because he has helped me in about 12-13 matches.”

Waugh still needed a further 18 runs to complete his century when number 11 batsman McGrath joined him at the crease.

“I told him don’t worry about the outcome,” said the Australia captain. “He has not let me down and I always like batting with Glenn as he does his best.”

The 37-year-old Waugh said he could not remember previously reaching three figures at Test level with a six.

“I thought this was the best chance and had a crack at it,” he said of the 20 runs he plundered in one over from Kaneria to move to 100. “I don’t think I have reached a Test century with a six.”

Waugh said he was not too concerned about his twin brother Mark, who has also come under increasing pressure to justify his place in the world’s leading side.

“Mark is a quality player and he will come through,” he said. “He is in good nick.

“We are judged by how many runs we both score and that’s understandable. Mark also takes some quality catches. Anyway its for the selectors to decide.”—Reuters