Bradman is the greatest, Waugh says

Abu Dhabi: Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh strongly believes that Donald Bradman is the greatest cricketer.

Waugh, who is here for the Laureus World Sports Award, was asked about the recent debate over who is the best batsman in the world, following Sachin Tendulkar's recent record breaking feats.

"Don Bradman is the greatest cricketer. There is no debate over it.

"He was a guy who reaches his 100 and his next best is 60. So we need to put it in perspective. Bradman is No 1 and then the rest," he said.

Waugh feels that Tendulkar too has his place among the best.

"Tendulkar amongst the rest is probably as good as anyone. So we can say that he is the second best cricketer who has played the game.

"People may have difference in that too and say that Gary Sobers and W.G Grace were equally good. There is always going to be difference of opinion over it. But to say someone is better than Bradman is probably getting it wrong," he added.

Keeping No 1 spot

To a query whether India will be able to sustain the No 1 ranking in Test cricket for a long period like Australia did, Waugh said: "No team will sustain the No 1 ranking for long time because all three forms of the game are being held continuously.

"So there are chances the players getting injured during lot of tours and hence it will be hard to maintain the consistency at the top in a particular form of the game," said Waugh, who captained Australia during its peak.

"India may hold on to No 1 Test rank for some time but the days of teams wanting to dominate in all forms of the game are pretty much over.

"Twenty20 is different from Test matches and hence to be No 1 in all forms of the game is very hard," he said.

Aggressive approach

Waugh appreciates the aggressive approach of the Indian team.

"They are playing well and there is a new attitude in the team which has come over in the last 10 years.

"Until some time back they were soft away from India, but now they are very tough," he said.

Waugh also feels that the Board of Control for Cricket in India dominant approach is good for the game.

Initiative

"A dominant BCCI, some might say is great and some may say it is not so great, but the fact is that they showed a lot of initiative and is pro active. It is not their fault.

"It is much the same as when we were the No 1 cricket team. We made world cricket better.

"Our job is to do the best we can and expect the rest to catch up. Same with the BCCI and they are doing a great job.

"It is up to everyone else to reach up to their standard," he said.