A remarkable interview from 2010, in which cricket legend Steve Waugh identified the future stars of Australian Test cricket, has recirculated online, stunning fans with its foresight.
Waugh's Vision During a Team Transition
The clip, which originally aired in April 2010, features Waugh speaking with commentator Harsha Bhogle. This was a period of significant change for the Australian team, following the high-profile retirements of Shane Warne, Justin Langer, and Glenn McGrath after the 2006-07 Ashes, and later exits of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist.
With Australia's era of dominance waning, Bhogle asked if any current youngsters made him say "wow". Waugh's response was immediate and specific.
"This youngster Steve Smith is probably the most talented cricketer we have seen for the last 20 years in Australia," Waugh declared. "He is going to make a huge impact on the international scene pretty shortly."
He didn't stop there. Waugh went on to name a trio of fast bowlers: Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc from New South Wales, and James Pattinson from Victoria, labelling them as quick bowlers who would "have a big impact". He also predicted Usman Khawaja would become "the first Muslim-born player to play for Australia within the next 12 months."
How the Prophecy Unfolded
Waugh's predictions proved to be incredibly accurate. Khawaja, Starc, and Pattinson all made their Test debuts in 2011. Hazlewood, though a slightly later bloomer, earned his baggy green in 2014 and became a pillar of the attack.
While Pattinson's career was cruelled by injuries, limiting him to 21 Tests, his record when fit was outstanding, with 81 wickets at an average comparable to his peers.
Waugh saved his highest praise for Smith, though he initially framed him as an all-round talent. "He is definitely the most exciting all-round talent we have had for the last 20 years," Waugh said, noting his potential as a leg-spinner and excellent fielder alongside his batting.
Smith's journey mirrored this unique start. He debuted as a leg-spinning allrounder, taking three wickets in his first Test, before being dropped and returning in 2013 as a specialist batsman. From there, he embarked on a record-breaking run that has seen him surpass even Ricky Ponting's Test batting average, now sitting at a phenomenal 55.82.
A Legacy of Foresight
The resurfacing of this interview, following the recent Ashes action, highlights Steve Waugh's sharp eye for talent during a uncertain period for Australian cricket. His ability to pinpoint not just one, but five future key players from the domestic ranks has cemented his reputation as one of the game's great judges.
Four of the five players he named remain active at the highest level, with Smith and Starc integral to Australia's recent successes. The clip serves as a powerful reminder of the transition that reshaped Australian cricket and the legends who emerged from it, exactly as one of their own foretold.
