Steve Waugh acknowledged that he has played better innings than his hundred on the second day of the third Test at Sharjah, but few more important ones in terms of his own career. "I have played better knocks before, but when this one came after such a long time it was pretty satisfying," he said. "To get a century with a six and with the baggy green cap on the head is pretty special. It doesn't get better than this.

"It is nice to get runs, nice to be captain and score a century for the team. I am pleased and hope to consolidate and continue making runs."

Waugh admitted that he was under pressure going into the match. "It was pretty strong pressure, but that has not happened only now," he said. "I have had pressure around me for a long time. You are expected to score runs at the international level. I had faith in my ability and backed my instincts."

Asked whether he would have any hesitation in enforcing the follow-on should the opportunity arise, Waugh said that after losing to India in 2001 he was erring towards the cautious. "After Calcutta, I am more careful. It is still quite open," he said. "We had hoped to bowl out Pakistan quickly today but the later-order batsmen hung on."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd