Steve Waugh wants to create Australia's own Ashes by burning the bails after next week's fifth and final Test at The Oval.

The Australian captain and his players have been driven to the do-it-yourself scheme by the refusal of the MCC to hand over the original urn.

The most prestigious little trophy in the game, under lock and key at Lord's since 1927, has only been to Australia once for bicentennial celebrations in 1988.

When the suggestion was put to Waugh, he said: "I like it - that's a great idea. If somebody can find an appropriate vessel to put the Ashes in, we'll do it."

An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman said today: "If Steve wants some bails used at The Oval, we will happily supply them."

A plea from Waugh for Australia to be given the original trophy earlier this month was summarily dismissed by ECB chief executive Tim Lamb.

Australia leads the five-Test series 3-0 to retain the Ashes for the sixth straight time since 1989.

"We've won the series and I think we should get the Ashes," Waugh said after Australia's seven-wicket victory at Trent Bridge.

"I think we should get the original.

"You're playing for the trophy, so why not get it?

"It's the ultimate prize in cricket, they say, but you can't get near it.

"It's not much of a prize really if you can't see it or can't touch it."

Lamb would not consider the possibility for one second.

"There is absolutely no question of the original Ashes urn leaving Lord's," he said. "It belongs there.

"The Australian Cricket Board realises that if anything happened to it, then it would be gone forever."

The Australian players will be presented with a replacement Ashes trophy at The Oval - before perhaps taking matters into their own hands.

© 2001 AAP