World Cup: Aussie legend Steve Waugh predicts ODI rebirth

Steve Waugh

Australia legend Steve Waugh has rubbished the decline of one-day cricket’s popularity and believes it will see a resurgence thanks to the upcoming World Cup.

The ever-increasing attractiveness of the Twenty20 game and some epic Test series in recent years have left the 50-over format lagging behind.

But Waugh, who retired from one-day cricket in 2002 and entirely from the sport in 2004, predicts an array of teams gunning for the trophy will see the format revived.

“For sure [it’s still relevant]. I think you’ll see a resurgence in 50-over cricket, particularly in India,” he told BBC Sport.

“They’re ready for it, their fans are fanatical, there’s already a saturation point in the media, and particularly if India do well I think the one-day game will get back on a pretty high pedestal.”

Asked for his World Cup predictions, Waugh identified more than the obvious favourites could challenge for the title, but there was no mention of England, of course.

“I’ve got a sneaky suspicion South Africa might come under the radar a bit,” Waugh added. “They’ve still got a very good side. I wouldn’t write-of Australia, India and Sri Lanka have a chance. West Indies could be the outsider that might do some damage.”

The 45-year-old also dismissed any idea of him becoming the coach of India’s national team when Gary Kirsten leaves the post after the upcoming tournament, after being linked with the position.

“I feel this is not the job of Sourav Ganguly or Steve Waugh where there would be too much media glare,” Waugh added. “I think this is a job for a low profile individual. The coach’s job has to be in the background. Gary Kirsten was a certain choice because he was not in the focus of the media.”

Fellow Aussie Shaun Tait is pitching his side right up to the final line and reckons his side has that famous “aura” back.

Tait told the Wisden Cricketer: “We talk about the aura the Australian team has always had, I think we've got that back now, I think we'll be going into [the World Cup] with a solid aura about us, and I think teams will be wary of the Australian team again, for sure.

“I wouldn't say we fear anyone. We had the wood over England in the one-day series, we're the No.1 ranked team in the world in one day cricket so to be fair, it's hard to find weaknesses.”

The Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss has revealed he will continue with his ultra-attacking line-up of seven batters and four bowlers that has served them well in ODIs in recent years.

Bayliss, who intends to quit as Sri Lanka coach after the tournament told ESPNCricinfo: “We've got eight batters [in the 15-man squad] and in the last two or three years we've played a seven-four combination with [Angelo] Mathews in the top six being a bowler as well. I can't see it changing just at the moment. In Australia we played six-five but seven-four seems to be the way we play our best cricket in Sri Lanka.”
 

Lyall Thomas - Follow me on Twitter

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