I thought Peter Roebuck's tribute on the front sport page of the Sydney Morning Herald was quite appropriate. He suggests, like many Australian cricket followers, that the selectors (namely Trevor Hohns) had a hand (or a shoulder) in Waugh's retirement.
I can believe that idea - Hohns has been after Waugh for ages, there is no secret the two have an ongoing battle going on, and I think Waugh's retirement represents a win and loss for both parties - Hohns would have wanted to get rid of him before now, but will see it as a victory that Waugh's plans remain unfufilled. Meanwhile Waugh gets his final swansong, four test matches, but misses out on his plans to tour Sri Lanka and India. Win/Lose in both camps.
What still puzzles me is the vendetta Hohns has. I think it stems back to the mid to late 80s when both players were allrounders competiting for a Test Spot. Perhaps something went on back then - with any luck Waugh will write it in his autobiography that he will no doubt write (and I'll be buying it).
Waugh's form, even if his average was to halve in the next 12 months, would still see him performing at a above-average level. His spot should have been secured, because he met all the requirements bar one. His average for 2003....is 104. A quick perusal of the 2003 top run scorers indicates that only the likes of Hayden, Grahame Smith and Lara are in the 60s and 70s - certainly nowhere near Waugh's triple-figure average. His captaincy is still maintaining high standards, seeing as though they're still winning. Furthermore he has the full support of his entire team, the CA heads, the Australian public and all the respected opponents and former players (besides Ian Chappell, David Hookes, Saurov Ganguley and of course Trevor Hohns).
Waugh's record, captaincy, longevity and least of all his current phenominal batting form, give him a list of reasons to stay (as long as Santa's wishlist), yet all indications point to a big smudgy finger-print/hand-print mark squarely on the back of Waugh's shoulders.
Too bad Hohns' long-running vendetta cannot wipe away what has been an imposing and superlative-sapping record.