Waugh advises Smith to keep emotions in check

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Former Australia captain Steve Waugh has urged Steve Smith to keep his emotions in check in the upcoming Ashes against England, saying everything a skipper does will be magnified in such a big series.

Smith has always displayed his emotions while leading the Australia side with hands on head after a dropped catch or just an exasperated look if there is a lapse in concentration in the field.

Waugh, who led the Aussies to two Ashes victories as captain, was known for keeping his cool on the field, almost never showing or displaying any emotion.

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Asked what advice he would give Smith, Waugh told Cricket Australia’s website: “The only advice I’d say for Steve this series is maybe not show so much emotion when you’re in the field.

“The camera is always on you as a captain. If you’re negative in your body language or you’re kicking the ground, it’s going to be magnified 100 times.

“The only thing I’d say to him is keep your emotions in check a bit more.”

Although he admits that it is not always easy to control your emotions, especially when playing against your biggest rivals, Waugh feels it is important for a skipper to compose himself, even though he could be raging inside.

A legend of Australia cricket, Waugh was captain of his country for five years and played 168 Tests.

He explained: “I almost talked to myself when someone would drop a catch or the bowlers weren’t doing well.

“You almost want to show something either verbally or physically but you knew that there’s every chance it would be replayed on the big screen and the whole team will be watching five seconds later.

“It’s about staying in control, composed even if you’re a bit ruffled or the steam is coming out your ears.

“Don’t let anybody know that. You’ve always got to stay in charge because people look at you for guidance here, they look for you to lead the way.”

The first of five Ashes Tests gets underway at the GABBA on 23 November.

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