Austin Waugh, the son of Australia’s great Steve Waugh, has taken a break from cricket, claiming that he is not interested in being a part of the game this year. It has been understood that the pressure of carrying such a famous surname may have contributed to the decision of the 21-year-old.
The right-hand batsman Austin Waugh gained fame after an unbeaten century in the Under-17 championships final in October, before impressing again at the under-19 championships. He also offers a clever medium-pace bowling option. Currently, he plays for Sydney grade club, Sutherland.
His Sutherland captain Ben Dwarshuis stated that Waugh’s interest in the game has waned and he won’t play this season. He further heaped praise on the youngster, stating that he has a lot of potentials.
“He wasn’t that interested in playing this year and wanted to spend a little bit of time away from it,” Sutherland captain Ben Dwarshuis told The Sunday Telegraph about Austin Waugh.
“He’s a great player with a lot of potential but you never want to push someone to play.”
Hopeful Austin Waugh returns soon: Dwarshuis
Dwarshuis added that the burden of a huge surname might have added pressure on the Austin Waugh but hopes that the allrounder soon returns in the game.
“The game can take its toll and having Waugh as a surname just adds that little bit of extra pressure.
“I think he’s enjoying a bit of time away. Hopefully, he takes a year off and comes back refreshed and loving his cricket again.”
Meanwhile, Steve Waugh has led the Australian national team to great heights. He is one of only twelve players to have scored more than 10,000 Test runs.
Steve Waugh has played in 168 Tests and 325 ODIs from 1984 to 200. The former cricketer is currently one of the mentors of the Australian team.