Indians have a chance to compete in Australia this summer, says Steve Waugh

Part of two-time World Cup winning squad for Australia, Steve Waugh, chose the home side as favorites to clinch the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy down-under. But the former Australian captain suggested that the nature of the pitches in Australia presently might favor the Indians.

Last time around, when a spirited Indian team toured Australia for the Test series, they lost the series by 2-0. Virat Kohli’s batting stood out during the tour as he smashed four centuries in the series.

The 52-year claimed that the Indian ton machine would yet again hold the key later this year when India competes against the Australians down-under.

“Australia will be favourites in Australia because we have got such a great record, just like India in India. Virat (Kohli) would obviously be the key in Australia. He played amazing in Australia last time,” quoted Steve Waugh during an award ceremony at Monaco.

Looking at the nature of the pitches on offer in the recently concluded Ashes series, Steve Waugh confirmed that the wickets might work in favor of the likes of Jadeja, Ashwin, and Rahane.

“To be fair, the pitches will suit India more than the past because the pitches are very benign at the moment. So they will definitely suit the Indian batsmen and the spinners will come into action more. So I think it would be a very competitive series.” admitted the Australian captain, according to PTI.

According to Waugh, the Indian, Australian and South African teams are three best teams around the world presently, as far as red-ball cricket is concerned. Waugh expects cut-throat competition within the three teams for the number 1 title.

“I think India, South Africa and Australia are right now three sides who are very similar in quality and they will fight it out for the No.1 position in the next couple of years,” reckons Waugh.

On MS Dhoni’s availability in the World Cup

One of the most successful captains ever produced by Australia opined that MS Dhoni must carry the same level of intensity that he does, currently, to the all-important World Cup of 2019.

“He is definitely good enough but sometimes when you get a bit older you dont prepare as well as you have done before but right now it looks like he is doing that. He is keen, he is a great leader and he is a winner,” Steve Waugh concluded.

Waugh concluded by claiming that jury is still out on MS Dhoni’s chances for featuring in the ICC World Cup of 2019 in England and Wales.

“He (Dhoni) is still a great player but he needs to have that energy and that spark which right now, he does have. But 12 months is still long, long away,” added Waugh.

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