By IANS,
New Delhi : Former Australia captain Steve Waugh feels it is India who are be under pressure having raised the bar by winning the second Test against Australia at Mohali by a massive 320 runs.
Wauhg, who had led Australia in 10 Tests against India, told reporters after watching the visiting team at the nets for two hours at the Ferozeshah Kotla Monday that after recording such a big victory naturally the pressure is on the Indians, not on the Australians.
“India were outstanding in Mohali. They set very high standards and are now under pressure to maintain it. I think the pressure is off Australia now.”
Waugh also felt that Indian bowling has come of age. “Earlier it was all spin but fast bowlers Ishant (Sharma) and Zaheer (Khan) are bowling well and they are very good at reverse swing also. They have good spinners as well and it seems they have the ability to pick 20 wickets in a Test match,” he said.
Waugh, who has tremendous knowledge about the Indian players, was seen talking to the Australians who are down 0-1 in the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The 43-year-old watched Michael Clarke and Matthew Hayden with interest and gave a few tips to left-arm rookie fast bowler Doug Bollinger at the nets ahead of the crucial third Test, starting here Wednesday.
Waugh, however, downplayed his presence, saying he did not give tips as such and that he was there to have a look at the practice session.
He hoped the Australians have the character to bounce back, but it is to be seen to say whether they would indeed do so.
“They have got the character but need confidence. They are definitely under lot of pressure, but they looked good and intense,” he said.
Waugh said if Australia have to bounce back much will depend on senior players like Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey.
“Much will depend on the senior players in the team. It is all about relaxing and enjoying the game,” he said.
On Hayden’s poor run in the series, Waugh said: “He is a quality player and a world class batsman. He just needs to spend some time out in the middle.”