Australia's squad drawing inspiration from mentor Steve Waugh ahead of Ashes series

Sport360 staff 21:07 21/07/2019
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  • Steve Waugh (l) is serving as Australia's mentor for the tour.

    Australia’s Ashes hopefuls are drawing inspiration from Steve Waugh who has been appointed as the team’s mentor for the upcoming series against arch-rivals England.

    Waugh was the last Australia skipper to clinch an Ashes series win on English soil with his men triumphing by 4-1 in 2001. The former Australia skipper has now been appointed as the mentor for Tim Paine and his men who begin their defence of the Ashes trophy on August 1 at Birmingham.

    One of the men to be inspired by Waugh’s presence in the Australia camp is Alex Carey who had a brilliant individual campaign in the 2019 World Cup.

    “Having Steve (Waugh) here is amazing for the group,” Carey was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

    “He’s won (eight) Ashes series and played a lot here, so to have the knowledge of Steve Waugh – one of the greatest Australian cricketers – is something we’re really lucky to have.

    “As soon as you see an Australian great you want to impress them. Obviously Ricky’s (Ponting) one, and JL (Langer) was another coming into this group and now we’ve got Steve.”

    Carey turned out to be a revelation in the 2019 World Cup for Australia with the wicketkeeper batsman registering 375 runs while affecting 20 dismissals in his 10 appearances. The Aussie is now hoping to pick Waugh’s ears as he prepares to transition to red-ball cricket.

    “Personally, I just had a quick chat just getting to know Steve. It’s quite early and he’ll mentor us and have his spin on things. It’s just great knowledge to have,” he said.

    “Steve’s been watching the one-day stuff and commentating a bit there. I’ve had a few little chats with him, but more moving now into the red ball and getting that focus of a longer format.

    “The patience of the game, staying focused for longer, little things that will come out over the next few days. The more we train, the more you start talking, you start asking questions.”

    Ahead of the start of their Ashes tour, the Australians will play an intra-squad three-day warm-up game beginning on July 23. The two teams will be coached by Brad Haddin and Graeme Hick with Carey set to don the wicketkeeping gloves for the former’s side.

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