"Warne’s absence no big worry"

CALCUTTA, July 21: Australian cricket one-day captain Steve Waugh is certain that they will not face too many problems if leg-spinner Shane Warne cannot join the team for the forthcoming Ashes series against England. “Of course he is a very good bowler, but now that Glenn McGrath is back in the team and with others like Mike Kasprowicz, we should be able to manage,” Waugh said today in an informal meeting with the media. Waugh is in Calcutta to help a non-governmental organisation raise funds for their projects.

“Maybe our emphasis will be on the quick bowlers if Warne cannot make it. Maybe our team will have more like the West Indies kind of attack,” he quipped.

Warne has already indicated that he might miss the Ashes although Waugh insisted that the spinner is still unsure.

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Although the Ashes is very much in his mind, Waugh is also thinking about the ’99 World Cup. “All countries are focussed on the World Cup and India are strong contenders, but if I am asked to bet, I will put my money onAustralia.” The confidence apart, Waugh is aware that the tournament will not be an easy one.

Still on cricket, Waugh feels that every player has to believe in himself and have an “inner strength like anyone else in business” to cope with the pressure. “You have to be confident and believe that you can play well under pressure.”