Aussie manager dreams of Twenty20 glory

Dubai: Steve Bernard has played a pivotal role in the success of the Australian team, but off the field. He recently completed a decade as the manager of the squad. From his first appointment for the Australian tour of India in 1997-98 series he has excelled as a guide and a motivator.

Bernard has performed his duties under all captains during this period and today has one dream. Speaking to Gulf News, Bernard said: "I want to see Australia as the No.1 team in all three forms of the game."

Bernard has managed the team to the peak in one-day and Tests and in June he is keen to see his team lift the Twenty20 World Cup too. "We have new players coming, replacing the experienced players. Our coaching staff is improving those players to make them as competitive as possible and enable the team to rise as No 1 in all forms of the game," he said.

Bernard has a strong cricket background. He was an effective right-arm pacer for New South Wales in the 1970s before taking up the role of a cricket administrator. The 59-year-old Bernard then went on to become a state selector from the 1980s and reached the national selection panel in 1993.

Talking about Ricky Ponting's appointment as captain till 2011, Bernard said: "Our team has had only four captains in the last 20 years. We are lucky to be blessed with some very good shrewd captains who are good players as well. All the players have responded very well to Ricky. They have appreciated him for his abilities and knowledge and they will continue to perform under him."

The UAE series against Pakistan, especially after the tough South Africa tour, was a big challenge for his team. Bernard ensured that all facilities were in place for the team to perform at their best. "We proved we are a good side despite being short of some of the superstars who had to gone home to rest. We came back well after losing the first game here. I am happy we are a very competitive team," he said.

Bernard is confident that Australia will win the Twenty20 World Cup next month. "Australia always puts its best squad in all tournaments. We have a very good team."