Waugh's retirement battle plan

Steve Waugh failed to win a Test series in India but he has devised a tactical list to help his former team-mates capture the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Barely 10 months retired, Waugh, who won 41 of his 57 Tests as captain, dusted off his battle notes on the eve of the first Test as Australia attempt to seal a series in India for the first time since 1969-70.

"The match strategy will be vital to conquer this cricket frontier," Waugh wrote in his Courier-Mail column. "To combat the Indian line-up, more planning will be required and the bowlers must be very disciplined to battle on when things don't fall into place quickly."

Waugh ran his steely eyes over the strengths and weaknesses of India's top-order and suggested plans to add to the bulk of research completed by the Australian coach John Buchanan.

"Virender Sehwag fears no-one and plays in an uninhibited way that disrupts a bowler's rhythm," Waugh said. "Ego can sometimes overtake his game and affect his concentration and focus. The plan: don't be drawn into over-attacking him because he looks vulnerable."

Waugh believed Rahul Dravid, who scored 957 runs at 87 in the past seven Tests against Australia, was "due for a mediocre series to prove he's human". "He's mentally the toughest player in world cricket with rock-solid technique and an unshakeable all-round game," he said. "Be switched on early against him and avoid any talk or confrontation because he thrives on it."

Sachin Tendulkar's elbow is currently his main weakness - he is in serious doubt for the first Test - but Waugh suggested the bowling attack target the gap he sometimes leaves between bat and pad when driving on the up. "If he gets away to a good start try to restrict his boundaries and don't get dragged into the Tendulkar-mania that can sweep you away," Waugh said.

With four centuries against them in the last eight matches, VVS Laxman is a batsman the Australians genuinely fear. "His strengths are an incredible eye and array of shots that can make bowling plans and field placements irrelevant," Waugh said. "Look to get him fishing outside the off stump and get him caught in the cordon."

The captain Sourav Ganguly had the ability to ruffle Waugh when he was skipper and he expected Australia to force him on to the back foot again. "Ganguly gets caught up with the short ball at his body and is unsure when to play the hook shot," Waugh said. "Look to make the short ball count but make it a surprise weapon, not a stock ball."