Waugh brushes off coaching talk

Steve Waugh has backed away from reports linking him as a possible replacement for John Wright, the outgoing Indian coach. There were suggestions that he was a prime candidate for the coaching position, along with Bruce Reid and Greg Chappell, among others. Waugh, whose career spanned 18 seasons, said that he needed to finally spend time with family.

Waugh's name had been bandied about with a number of Australians as a possible replacement for Wright. The interest over his participation provoked media discussion because of his standing in India, where he began a school for children suffering from leprosy. He said to Mid Day, a Mumbai daily, "The passion that Indians have for cricket never ceases to amaze me and I am flattered by the media interest and speculation but at this stage I have to say no, thank you."

However, he added that he would consider offers if they were temporary, rather than long-term.