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Waugh backs Test minnows
Australia, June 27: Australian captain Steve Waugh has dismissed calls for Test cricket to be split into two divisions.
Australia, June 27: Australian captain Steve Waugh has dismissed calls for Test cricket to be split into two divisions.
Former fast bowler Dennis Lillee is among those backing the idea which would, they claim, prevent mis-matches like Australia's forthcoming home series against Bangladesh.
But Waugh says weaker countries will not improve if they only play against sides at the same level.
"I think that's being too elitist," he said.
"They have got to learn and they've got to catch up."
Waugh cited the example of Sri Lanka, who went from Test novices to World Cup winners in the space of 14 years. "I think you've got to put more resources into these countries and help them out, rather than say 'You're not good enough, we'll see you in five years when you've improved'.
"There's got to be a concerted effort to bring these guys up to standard".
Bangladesh have lost 18 of their 19 Tests to date, and will find themselves up against a full strength Australian line-up. Waugh has acknowledged, however, that his team will go into the two Tests short of recent match practice.
"I'm assuming the guys who played both the Tests and one-dayers in the West Indies won't be picking up a bat or ball until next week at least", he said.
"It's a pretty low-key preparation coming into a Test series - there's no practice matches, there's no camp - but it's difficult to keep having those things when the guys are away from home so much".
Bureau Report
But Waugh says weaker countries will not improve if they only play against sides at the same level.
"I think that's being too elitist," he said.
"They have got to learn and they've got to catch up."
Waugh cited the example of Sri Lanka, who went from Test novices to World Cup winners in the space of 14 years. "I think you've got to put more resources into these countries and help them out, rather than say 'You're not good enough, we'll see you in five years when you've improved'.
"There's got to be a concerted effort to bring these guys up to standard".
Bangladesh have lost 18 of their 19 Tests to date, and will find themselves up against a full strength Australian line-up. Waugh has acknowledged, however, that his team will go into the two Tests short of recent match practice.
"I'm assuming the guys who played both the Tests and one-dayers in the West Indies won't be picking up a bat or ball until next week at least", he said.
"It's a pretty low-key preparation coming into a Test series - there's no practice matches, there's no camp - but it's difficult to keep having those things when the guys are away from home so much".
Bureau Report