Debasis Sen, Adelaide: At the start of the Australian training on Tuesday, a well known figure stepped inside the Adelaide Oval. Former Australia captain Steve Waugh was at the Adelaide Oval to inspire the test cricketers ahead of their first test match against India. Clad in a black track suit and T’shirt with a white cap, Steve spent close to almost an hour with Tim Paine and his boys.
Another former captain and presently a selector, Greg Chappell was also present at the Adelaide Oval to inspire the Aussie cricketers. Both the former Australia captains shared their valuable inputs with the test cricketers at the Adelaide Oval. Marcus Harris, who is all set to make his debut was seen interacting with Greg at the net session. Harris has been locked in a selection showdown with Peter Handscomb since the 14-man squad was named, with The senior Waugh was in Adelaide to watch his own son (Austin) at the national under-19 championships, and who made a cameo appearance on the training track.
It was Langer with whom Waugh spent much of his time during Australia’s three-hour training run, their major session ahead of the opening Test.
While he did not provide any direct input drawn from his 168 Tests and 325 ODIs’ worth of experience, Waugh observed the fielding and nets drills from close quarters and often in deep conversation with his ex-teammate and unashamed admirer, Langer.
“It’s amazing,” Marsh said of Waugh’s presence ahead of the series that Australia unusually enters as underdogs against the world’s top-ranked Test outfit.
“It’s great to have … absolute legends of Australian cricket heading down here, and just talking a bit of gaff.
“Hopefully he enjoyed his time, and we always say that any past players are always welcome in our change room.
“So to have someone like him down was awesome, it gave the boys a lift.”