SYDNEY - Courtney Walsh has vowed to play on for one more series as he seeks to become the first cricketer to take 500 Test wickets.

The 38-year-old admitted he "laboured" through the just completed series against Australia, which the home side won 5-0.

He started the series looking for 17 wickets to take him to 500 but fell six short and has 494 to his name.

The West Indies host South Africa in a five-Test series starting in March and Walsh said he wanted to finish his career at home and with 500 wickets. Walsh admitted it was "probably madness" that had kept him going into his 17th season but said the thought of finishing his career at his home ground of Sabina Park, in Jamaica, was too much to turn down.

"This is my last tour for sure," he said.

"I'm keen to finish at home - the last Test (against South Africa) is in Jamaica. If I get my wish I'll play at home and my last Test will be in Jamaica."

Walsh is almost certain to be picked for the South African tour, especially as the West Indies have struggled to settle on a first-choice group of fast bowlers to take the mantle from Walsh and Curtly Ambrose.

He singled out Marlon Black and Colin Stuart as newcomers who could make their mark against South Africa, saying the youngsters - like many in the Windies team - would learn from this tour.

He said the relatively young West Indies team lacked confidence compared to Australia.

"The Australian team has been together for a long time now and they showed a lot more strength and courage both mentally and physically," he said.

"I'm hoping that the young fellas who came on this tour will pick up on that for the series against South Africa.

"Because in terms of ability and talent we've got it as well - it's just the mental toughness that's a little bit missing."

© 2001 AAP