Australia’s Ashes 2019 campaign has received a timely boost with former Test & One-Day International captain Steve Waugh set to act as a mentor to the side during the six-week tour.
Waugh, who won the Ashes series eight times including twice as captain will join the Australian side on June 1, in Birmingham the venue for the first Test. Tim Paine, while confirming the announcement said that to have someone like Waugh will be a huge boost not just for the youngsters in the team but also the seniors such as himself, Steve Smith and David Warner.
“With the Test series we are very fortunate to have Steve Waugh who is, obviously, a legend and is going to be great service for myself as a leader and captain,” Paine told Nine News in Bristol, where he is with the Australia A squad.
“I think to have someone like him around during a Test series is going to be great for our whole group. I know I will be trying to bounce off him as much as I can.
“For guys like myself and (Steve) Smith and (David) Warner who are quite experienced, it will be great. It’s also going to be great for some of our younger players as well.”
Justin Langer has also in the past advocated having former cricketers mix with the current setup.
“We love having them around, whether it’s ‘Haydos’, ‘Punter’ (Ponting), Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Steve Waugh, Simon Katich.
“It’s like having all the Australian brothers around. Whoever wants to come around and help support us and get better – they’re always welcome.”
