Aussies have the character to regroup

Abhaya Srivastava

Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh on Monday backed the tourists to bounce back in the third Test against India, saying they had the character to regroup for the crucial match.

Waugh, here to attend a meeting of the Marylebone Cricket Club, spent time in the nets with the Aussies, who trail 1-0 after losing the previous game in Mohali by 320 runs. The first Test ended in a draw.

Australia need to win the Delhi Test to keep alive their chances in the four-match series and maintain their unbeaten run in Test series since 2005.

“This is a big question whether Australia can draw level with India here,” Waugh said ahead of Wednesday’s match.

“They have got the character to bounce back, I have no doubt about that. I hope they also have the confidence.

“I had a look at the boys at their practice session. And judging by what I saw, the players looked intense and focused on the job at hand. I did not give any tips as such but just asked them to relax.”

Waugh, 43, praised the Indians for raising the bar in the second Test but said they would be under pressure to sustain their performance level.

“India were outstanding at Mohali. They have indeed set very high standards but I guess the pressure is now on them to keep it going and off Australia’s shoulders.”

Waugh, who spent time talking with captain Ricky Ponting, opener Matthew Hayden and paceman Brett Lee, said a lot would depend on how the trio performed here.

Hayden has 42 runs from four innings while Ponting, who scored a century in the opening Test in Bangalore, scored just five and two in Mohali. Lee has taken just four wickets in the two Tests, looking a pale shadow of his former self.

“A lot will depend on these senior players. Hayden is a quality player and a world-class batsman. It is only a question of spending some time in the middle. When that happens, runs will come automatically,” said Waugh.

Waugh said India had looked good in the fast bowling department, which was a big change from previous eras, when they relied heavily on spin.

“India’s bowling attack has come of age. Earlier, it was all about spinners. Now Ishant (Sharma) and Zaheer Khan are doing so well. They are very good at reverse swing and they have always had quality spinners,” said Waugh.

“I think that has made the big difference in the series.”

NEW DELHI, Tuesday, AFP