The Rediff interview/ Roland Perry

'Mark Waugh and Shane Warne will be anxiously waiting'

Sir Donald Bradman's official biographer Roland Perry wrote the unofficial biography of Steve Waugh. The Victoria, Australia-based writer has other books to his credit, including one on the Ronald Reagan presidency and another on Hollywood's enduring action hero, Mel Gibson.

rediff.com sought his views on the sacking of Australia's most successful captain.

How will the sacking of Steve Waugh affect Australian cricket?

Steve Waugh has had a big impact as captain in ODIs, but Australia has several options for the leadership, particularly (Adam) Gilchrist and (Darren) Lehmann. It remains to be seen whether Waugh is missed or not. His recent form was average and he failed at critical times in the recent ODI versus NZ and SA in Australia.

His ODI average of 31 was not brilliant, compared to Bevan, who bats close to Waugh in the order and averages 57, and Sachin Tendulkar, who averages around 45. Waugh does not bowl well any more and this counted against him. He made the ODI team as an all-rounder in the mid-1980s. His fielding declined a fraction in this latest series and added to Australia looking other than first-rate, when compared to young, sprightly New Zealand.

Does a man decline at 36? Is he past his best? Time will tell.

What was Waugh's impact on Australian cricket?

It has, of course, been great. He played in 325 ODIs and was in two winning World Cups (1987, 1999 and runner-up in 1996) -- a big span by any comparison. His leadership in the 1999 World Cup held Australia together at a critical time. Australia owes much to his example. He was an exceptionally strong leader, probably the toughest and most uniting Australia has had for 30 years.

How do you think would Australia plan for ODIs henceforth?

Waugh's dumping was part of a very direct plan to win the World Cup in 2003. That is the main aim. The gamble will be that the new leadership and team (there will be other changes, most likely) will do what Waugh did when he took over from Mark Taylor in 1997-98 a year or so out from the 1999 World Cup -- that is win the next one in South Africa in 2003.

What are the other changes you see coming?

Mark Waugh and Shane Warne will be anxiously awaiting the announcement in two weeks time of Australia's ODI team to tour South Africa in March/April.

Interviews

Mail Cricket Editor