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Kolkata - It is quite natural for a defending champion to hog all the attention in the lead-up to an event like the Cricket World Cup. However, it's not natural when a team seeking its fourth successive crown doesn't get as much attention as the others.
According to The Hindu website, Australia have not been dethroned for 12 years, but the side has somehow not been in the limelight in the run-up to the 2011 edition which begins on February 19.
“This could actually work in the team's favour,” said Steve Waugh, who lifted the 1999 cup that has remained in Australia's grasp since.
“They are the No 1 ODI side in the world, and they will be very competitive at the World Cup,” added the Laureus Academy member.
The 45-year-old former Australian skipper said he felt that the lack of quality spinners would not hamper the team's chances.
“There are part-time spinners like (Michael) Clarke and (David) Hussey who can do the job. I don't think that the spin department will be a major concern.”
Waugh also backed Ricky Ponting to the hilt.
“He has won the last two World Cups and knows what is needed to win it again. His phenomenal record at the World Cup will be hard to match,” he said.
Asked about the format and whether the players were right in complaining that the event was too long, Waugh said: “The players are on a good wicket and should not worry about the duration at all.”
“South Africa!” came the answer when Waugh was asked to pick the possible winner.
“They will not be under any pressure and have a great chance,” he said, quickly dismissing suggestions that they were chokers on the big stage.
According to The Hindu website, Australia have not been dethroned for 12 years, but the side has somehow not been in the limelight in the run-up to the 2011 edition which begins on February 19.
“This could actually work in the team's favour,” said Steve Waugh, who lifted the 1999 cup that has remained in Australia's grasp since.
“They are the No 1 ODI side in the world, and they will be very competitive at the World Cup,” added the Laureus Academy member.
The 45-year-old former Australian skipper said he felt that the lack of quality spinners would not hamper the team's chances.
“There are part-time spinners like (Michael) Clarke and (David) Hussey who can do the job. I don't think that the spin department will be a major concern.”
Waugh also backed Ricky Ponting to the hilt.
“He has won the last two World Cups and knows what is needed to win it again. His phenomenal record at the World Cup will be hard to match,” he said.
Asked about the format and whether the players were right in complaining that the event was too long, Waugh said: “The players are on a good wicket and should not worry about the duration at all.”
“South Africa!” came the answer when Waugh was asked to pick the possible winner.
“They will not be under any pressure and have a great chance,” he said, quickly dismissing suggestions that they were chokers on the big stage.
