Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh has advised the Indian board to “see the bigger picture” for the betterment of the game. Some board administrators have been in the news for all the wrong reasons after the IPL-6 spot-fixing scandal that broke in May this year.
“I have been busy writing my book and the BCCI isn’t on top of my list. They are obviously a very powerful group. They have a lot of responsibility because at the end of the day, they have a big influence on world cricket,” Waugh said here.
“They have got to take on board the best interests of the game, obviously Indian cricket is in a good state, the team are going on well, the cricket board makes a lot of money. At the end of the day, for the good of the sport, the longevity of the sport, the BCCI has got to see the bigger picture.”
Waugh, who led Australia in 15 of their world-record 16 successive Test victories after the World Cup triumph in 1999, said he wasn’t embarrassed seeing Australia lose six consecutive Tests. “It happens in sport. Australia have got plenty of talent. We will be fine. We will survive.
“I am confident that Australia will get towards the top, over the next 12 to 18 months. It is going to take some hard work but that is what Test cricket is all about,” he said.
The flinty Australian, who had 168 Test caps, said England were rejoicing in their wins over Australia. “England are enjoying the fact that they are beating Australia. I know we beat them in eight Ashes series in a row. They have turned it around now, so good luck to them,” he said.
He though believes Australia can stage a fightback in the series. “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. Obviously, we lost the first two but that is sport.
“England are playing well, they are a very good team,” he said.
The Aussie praised current skipper Michael Clarke, saying, “I advise him (Clarke) to keep scoring runs and as a captain, it is lot easier when you keep scoring. He is doing a good job and they will turn things around. As long as they stick together and help each other, they will turn around.”