Waugh predicts close Indo-Oz series by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	SR Waugh
Event:	Australia in India 2009/10

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DateLine: 10th October 2009

 

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh predicted a 4-3 scoreline for the winners in the ODI series between India and Australia.

 

Waugh said that despite India's recent poor show in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy, the team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni would match Ricky Ponting on all ends and both sides stood equal chance of winning the seven-match series.

 

"It will be a tough series," Waugh told reporters today.

 

"I saw the Australian squad and they have recruited some new faces. It's going to be exciting. Australia is really in great form and though India disappointed in the Champions Trophy, I guess the result would be 4-3 in favour of, well, I don't know which team," he quipped.

 

The Australian is here in connection with the Steve Waugh Foundation, which is raising money, in association with 6UP, to help kids with rare diseases.

 

"India don't become best when they win and don't become worst when they lose. It's probably somewhere in between (the extremes).

 

"The team is in good shape and a lot of youngsters have come up. IPL threw up a host of new players and they should remain among the top three teams," Waugh said.

 

Waugh also backed out-of-form Ishant Sharma, saying the beanpole pacer would serve Indian cricket for long.

 

"Ishant is a top class bowler who even though he is going through a bit down now. Any team would love to have him in their side.

 

"He reminds me a bit of both (Glenn) McGrath and (Jason) Gillespie. He will be there for a long time," Waugh said.

 

Asked about Matthew Hayden's observation that Dhoni's captaincy reminded him of Waugh's leadership, the former skipped quipped, "Dhoni must be a great captain then."

 

"I have seen him from a far, have not played against his captaincy. But he is a good captain, has got a good temperament and looks in control of the team. He enjoys the respect of his teammates and has got a positive attitude," Waugh said.