S'l’DNE^'. Dec 1 I (Internet report): Brian Lara baffles Steve Waugh as much as everybody else.

Hie West Indian enigma re-covered Irom (wo disastrous Tests to crack 230 off 261 balls against Australia A in Hobart, including 39 fours and two sixes during a 365-run partnership with wicketkeeper Ridley

Lara belted Australian paceman Andy Bichel for six liotindaries in one over to illustrate what a spectacularly dominant player he can.be.

He's a mystery that you guys have got to work out. we don't have (o work it out because we're playing against him. Waugh (old reporters after an autograph session for Ins new book. Never Satisfied.

He s a little bit up and down in what he dors he could g< ( 375 one day and (hen not look the best the next day.

“That's just the ivjie of player he is I guess you'd describe him as a genius when he s playing well.

' But when lie's not he comes

back to the field like anybody else . mental state of mind is crucial for him."

Lara single-handedly demolished the Australians in the Caribbean almost two years ago but a prolonged slump this year has bumped him out of the world fop 10 rankings.

He has scored only 21 runs in four innings against the

Australians, losing his wi< ket to Glenn McGrath on the first three occasions after a six-iuonth hiatus at the start of the year.

"It s a big move to pull out of international cricket. said Waugh, who will miss the third Test with a strained buttock muscle.

“It suggests you're not really enjoving yourself.

"He had six montlis away and whether that was enough time, that's the big question.'

Waugh admitted he would watcli most of the third Test, starting in Adelaide on Friday, on television.

I enjoy watching cricket. I’ve lieen bought up watching ■ ncket and I love watching a lest match." he said.

I love it that much dial I've even been watching England versus Pakistan, and that's l»c<'n pretty boring.

I enjox watching a Test match because I like seeing the tactics involved and how it's going to unfold.

"But it s always harder when \<>n wish von were there

Waugh expected lo be fit for th< Boxing Dav Test in Mel-