Head coach Justin Langer says Steve Waugh’s return as a mentor is a massive boost for Australia. Australia were just one wicket away from retaining the Ashes in the third Test at Headingley last month but a Ben Stokes masterclass handed England an unlikely victory, levelling the series at 1-1.
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It was a chastening defeat for the men from Down Under and serious questions are being asked about the tourists ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, which gets underway on Wednesday. Aiming to lift the spirits within the squad, 168-Test veteran Waugh has rejoined the Aussies as a mentor, having spent the first month of the tour with the team before travelling home to fulfil prior commitments after the Lord’s contest.
Langer is delighted to have the ‘Iceman’ back in the fold ahead of the crunch clash in Manchester. “Steve was actually going to fly home, do the function and fly back the next day. That’s how much he’s enjoying it. He’s been like a kid at Christmas,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “To come back after such a long time away from the game, his passion and enthusiasm has been brilliant and it’s going to be great.”
