Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says rich BCCI must do a lot more for the game
Even as Australia are trailing 0-2 in the on-going Ashes Tests, former captain Steve Waugh said that though it is unlikely that they win the series, he predicts they will fight back.
Steve Waugh during a promotional event yesterday. Pic/Nimesh Dave.
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Waugh, the 1999 World Cup-winning captain was in the city yesterday to attend the India chapter of International Advertising Association (IAA) knowledge seminar on ‘Real Estate in a digitised world’. He spoke about how challenging it is for somebody like him to come out of his comfort zone and perform well in an arena that is not his forte. During his brief talk to the audience, he touched based on various subjects.
Excerpts:
On the current Australian team’s performance:
I think they are doing okay. I just came here after watching the TV and Michael Clarke was 170 not out. We are fighting back in this Test match. Obviously, we lost the first two Tests, but that is sport. We are a developing side, but I am glad we fought back in this third Test. The odds are unlikely that we are going to win the series, but I am glad we are fighting back at Old Trafford. It’s a good sign.
On Decision Review System (DRS):
DRS is good, systemic conjecture with good umpiring. If the umpire is not of top quality standards then it is going to put more pressure on DRS. We have seen that in the three Tests so far, which has been the real issue. They have got to definitely improve the technology. It is not a perfect system but I think the spectators enjoy it and the media like talking about it. It is not the perfect system what it was, but we are getting more right than wrong.
On Australia’s future:
Australia have got plenty of talent. We will survive. We nearly beat the No 1 Test side South Africa in Australia; we were one wicket away. We have been close on a number of occasions. We played very poorly in Lord’s, but we have got enough talent to come back. It doesn’t embarrass me that we have lost six Tests in a row. I am confident that Australia will get towards the top, over the next 12 to 18 months.
On Michael Clarke’s leadership:
As a captain, it is a lot easier when you keep scoring runs. He is doing a good job and they will turn things around. As long as they stick together and help each other, they will do well.
On the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI):
BCCI is not on top of my list. They have a lot of responsibility, because they have a big influence on world cricket. Indian cricket is in a good state, the side is going on well, and the cricket board makes a lot of money. At the end of the day, the BCCI have got to see the bigger picture for the longevity of the sport.
On Virat Kohli (who is leading India in Zimbabwe):
Kohli is a talented player and a potential captain for sure. He is very excitable and has got passion for sure, which is good. But he sometimes needs to pull that enthusiasm inside a bit. He will make a good leader one day.
On regular India skipper MS Dhoni:
Dhoni has won every trophy you can possibly win for the country. That is what he can do as a captain. He has done a brilliant job. He is very aggressive, very positive and he has been a fine captain for India.
On Sachin Tendulkar being in the cusp of 200 Tests:
It’s a great achievement. To play 198 Tests is amazing. He has broken every record there is. He will probably hold every record besides the highest average, which Don Bradman did. An amazing player, 200 Test matches that is like the Holy Grail. I don’t think anyone thought they would get to 200.
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