After spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi lent his helping hand to Ricky Ponting and his men in Sunday's practice session, former Australia skipper Steve Waugh attended the nets on Monday as the visitors left no stone unturned in their preparation for the third Test against India.
Waugh, who was in New Delhi to attend the two-day MCC World Cricket Committee meeting that concluded on Sunday, attended the entire net session, interacting mostly with Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden.
"I just came to have a look at their practice session," Waugh later said.
Asked what did he suggest to Ponting and his men who trail the four-match series 0-1, Waugh said he told them to relax and not think much about the result.
"I didn't give any tips as such. I told them to relax and enjoy. Sometimes you tend to think too much about the outcome. They need to relax," said the former captain.
On whether he had any special piece of advice for out-of-form Hayden, Waugh said, "Not really. He is a quality player and a world class batsman, he knows his game well. It's all about spending some time in the middle and runs will come automatically.""Australia is definitely under pressure to make a comeback in the series and judging by their practice session this morning, all of them looked intense," said Waugh, summing up his observation of the Aussies.
Waugh also seemed highly impressed by India's performance in the series so far but believes it might prove to maintain the same standard.
{{/usCountry}}Waugh also seemed highly impressed by India's performance in the series so far but believes it might prove to maintain the same standard.
{{/usCountry}}"India was outstanding in Mohali, no doubt about that. They have set a very high standard and I think the pressure is now on them to maintain that. In a way, the pressure is now off Australia's shoulder.
"The big quesion is whether Australia can now bounce back. They have certainly got the character and I hope they have the confidence as well. Ponting, Hayden, (Michael) Clarke, Hussey -- a lot would rest on the shoulders of the senior players," Waugh added.
Making a comparison between the Indian team he played against and the one at present, Waugh said pacers have given the side that extra edge.
"I think Indian bowling has come off age and now they are quite capable of taking 20 wickets. Earlier, it was all about India's spin bowling but now Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma are doing well. They are good at reverse swing and India always had quality spinners," he said.