Former Australian skipper Steve Waugh will boost his national team to mentor Kangaroos at the Ashes 2019. As Australia will be keen to lay hands on the urn in the United Kingdom (UK), Waugh has gleefully accepted the offer to help the Kangaroos in the traditional format.
During his heydays, Waugh has featured in 168 Test matches to slam 32 tons between 1985 and 2004. Interestingly, he has played 46 Tests against England to have a wealth of experience on his back.
Steve Waugh to help Australia at the Ashes 2019:
The 54-year-old Waugh has amassed 10,927 runs at an incredible average of 51.1. He also has 50 half-centuries to his name in 260 innings.
Pertinently, over a short period, Justin Langer has played a quintessential role after succeeding Darren Lehman as a chief coach, last year. Also, Langer has expressed his wish to take former cricketers onboard in a bid to help the Aussies.
Post-ball-tampering scandal, Australia had struggled before returning with a bang in the international fold. The decision has been taken to help in restoring the image of Australian team following a folly which further saw banning of Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft respectively.
Meanwhile, Langer is in the United Kingdom (UK) as the team is partaking in the ICC World Cup 2019. Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting assists him.
Tim Paine on Steve Waugh:
“During the World Cup as well, we have had Ricky (Ponting). And now with the Test series, we are very fortunate to have Steve Waugh. He is, obviously, a legend. And is going to be great service for myself as a leader and captain,” Aussie Test skipper Tim Paine to cricket.com.au.
Pertinently, Australia had won their last Ashes on the English soil back in 2001 when Waugh led them with aplomb.
Meanwhile, Test leader Paine has also confirmed Waugh’s six-week stint with Australia team. He added it would be a great experience to have the veteran cricketer around.
“I know it is something that ‘JL’ and myself have been quite big on. That is to try and get some of our past legends in and around the team. I think to have someone like him around during a Test series is going to be great for our whole group,” Paine added.
Besides, the much-awaited Ashes will begin with the first of five-match series at Edgbaston in Birmingham on August 1st.