BRISBANE, Australia, CMC – Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has singled out classy left-hander Darren Bravo as the next big name in world cricket and says once Chris Gayle returns to the West Indies side, Australia could have their hands full when they tour the Caribbean later this year.
Waugh, who led Australia in 57 Tests, quit international cricket eight years ago after a highly successful career that yielded 10 927 runs from 168 Tests at an average of 51.
When asked during a wide-ranging interview in the Courier-Mail who was the next superstar in world cricket, Waugh said: “Darren Bravo from the West Indies. He is identical to Brian Lara in every way. He is world cricket’s next superstar, no doubt.”
In the last year, the 22-year-old Bravo has emerged as one of the leading Windies batsmen, plundering three centuries in his last seven Test innings. He averages 52 from 13 Tests.
Waugh also said Gayle was important if the Windies were to challenge Australia in the upcoming three-Test series and five One-Day Internationals starting in March.
“The West Indies have some good emerging players and if they get Gayle and (Dwayne) Bravo back Australia will be surprised when they go there,” said the
