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Saturday, March 20, 1999

CRICKET

Waugh and Langer do their bit on a journey to the dark side of town

Kingston: Steve Waugh and Justin Langer ventured into the violent heart of Kingston on Thursday on a goodwill mission that thrilled students at the Boys' Town School in Trenchtown.

Accompanied by Australian team manager Steve Bernard and statistician Mike Walsh, Waugh and Langer left the comfort of the Kingston Hilton to explore the area that witnessed 900 deaths in a gang war in 1997.

Tourists are sternly warned away from Trenchtown and it is a definite no-go zone at night, but Bernard knows one of the few men who can give a guided tour in safety ... Ken "Boogsie" James.

Trenchtown, where reggae king Bob Marley was born, is the most deprived area of Kingston.

It has about 80 per cent unemployment, people live in decaying conditions and the continued threat of violence makes it one of the most dangerous places in the world.

In 1997, the feuding gangs were separated by the Boys' Town cricket oval and anyone who stepped onto the field was shot.

The Australian foursome had no such trouble, thanks to Boogsie, who also took them to Marley's childhood house.

"It was fascinating day, it's a depressing place but the kids at the school were thrilled to see Steve and Justin," Bernard said.

"They gave us a nice little presentation and Boys' Town T-shirts.

"Next time I'll try and get the whole team along."

Meanwhile, the Australians left Jamaica for Antigua, where they play West Indies A in a match starting on Saturday.

With Matthew Elliott and Langer struggling, Tasmanian Ricky Ponting is likely to get a run to push his claims for a third-Test berth.

"The way most of the guys are batting at the moment, everybody seems a little bit out of nick but hopefully that will turn around for the team's sake," Ponting said.

"It would be great to get a hit next game and make the most of it, it's a little bit frustrating not getting onto the field."

If Elliott or Langer were dropped, Greg Blewett would move up the order - he opens the batting for South Australia - to give Ponting a chance at No6.

He has played only once on tour, scoring eight and 61 not out against a West Indies Cricket Board XI almost four weeks ago.

"I haven't been able to nail down my position the last couple of times," said Ponting, who was dropped after the third Ashes Test.

- AAP

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