Steve Waugh offered an Australian insight into winning ICC signature events — four World Cups since 1986-87 and two Champions Trophy — at a charity announcement here on Wednesday.
Waugh said, “We have enormous pride in playing and winning the big games. We are unafraid of playing the big matches. Australia makes it happen, while other teams are tense.”
In India to introduce the iPlayup’s 6UP mobile game for the Champions League match between Delhi Daredevils and Victoria Bushrangers (at Delhi on October 9), Waugh said the Steve Waugh Foundation (SWF) hopes to raise Rs. 10 lakh from the match for charity.
Cricket followers can play 6Up by text messaging predictions before the start of an over on 533446 just for rupees five and contribute to the SWF. The Foundation’s aim is to provide succour to children suffering from rare diseases.
He also said that the traditionalists would always swear by the thrill of Test match cricket. “Test cricket is the only sport played over five days without anyone knowing if there will be a result.
“There was one hour left with the last England pair at Cardiff. But one has to be realistic. Twenty20 provides job opportunities for a lot youngsters, but we need to uphold traditions and it’s the responsibility of administrators, senior players and the media.”
Finally he felt that it’s dangerous and premature to think about records. “One never knows how long Sachin Tendulkar will play, maybe three or four years. He may leave records that would be unreachable.
“Ricky Ponting is in a position to challenge his (Sachin’s) records,” Waugh said responding to the Australian captain’s remark that Tendulkar’s records are amazing and are benchmarks for him to chase.
