BRIGDETOWN, May 3: Steve Waugh, who became the first Australian to make 30 Test centuries on Friday, played down the achievements afterwards and instead slammed the West Indies pitches.

“I’m just a caretaker, I’m sure (fellow Australian) Ricky Ponting will take over one day” the 37-year-old told reporters after breaking Donald Bradman’s record of 29.

“I’ve played a few more Tests than him (Bradman) so that puts it into perspective.”

Waugh was equally low-key about passing Sunil Gavaskar’s total of 10,122 runs to became the second highest scorer in Test history.

Asked what it meant, he replied: “Not much, really. It’s nice but I haven’t thought about it at all.”

Waugh then turned his attention to the Kensington Oval pitch, where 694 runs have been scored in two days’ cricket in the third Test and only nine wickets taken.

“This has not been a typical West Indies tour,” he said.

“Usually, when you come to the West Indies, balls are flying around your ears and the crowd are getting excited.”

“This time, it’s low, flat and slow and it’s difficult for the crowd to get involved in the game.”

“We heard it was going to be pacy and bouncy but I’ve played 159 Tests and this is the slowest pitch I’ve ever played on.

“It’s disappointing to play on a pitch like this.”

Waugh had been hoping that Australia could become the first team to pull off a whitewash in the Caribbean after winning the first two Test matches but was less confident after the first two days in Bridgetown.

“It’s so difficult to get batsmen out here but it’s amazing what can happen if you put a team under pressure.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m confident but I’m hopeful.”

Asked if he though the home team were playing for a draw, Waugh said: “We’re here to win and I’m hopeful that is the way the West Indies will play.

“If they don’t it will be disappointing and it doesn’t show much faith in their bowlers.”—Reuters