Dhoni captaincy will make a difference: Waugh

"Beware of the Aussies." That's what former Australia skipper Steve Waugh had to say when asked about his team's chances in the World Cup. Though this is the first time the focus is not on the No. 1 cricket team in the world, Waugh believes that's going to change the moment they land in India.

"Australia are a great side, and don't forget they are the No. 1 team in one-day cricket," said the former captain who won the World Cup twice - as a player in 1987 and as captain in 1999.

"They will be coming to India after a great one-day series against England," he said on the sidelines of the Laureus World Sports Awards function. "Once they start winning, the focus will be back on them."

Though he felt Ricky Ponting's Test captaincy needed to be reviewed after the Ashes loss, he was happy with the way 'Punter' had been leading the side in one-dayers. "He is after all a World Cup winning-team captain. It's rare. So, we can't be critical of his one-day captaincy. But in Tests, after losing the Ashes, his role may be reviewed and a decision should be taken soon."

Speaking of captaincy, Waugh likes the way India skipper MS Dhoni leads his team. And that might be a crucial factor during the World Cup. "Dhoni is cool and composed and shows little signs of anxiety under pressure," he said. "This will definitely help when you are playing in front of 90,000 people supporting and egging you on."

Waugh also praised Sri Lanka skipper Kumara Sangakkara and West Indies' captain Darren Sammy's leadership qualities.

On the lack of spinners in the Aussie team, Waugh said, "That should not affect their success. They have good spinners in (Nathan) Hauritz and leg-spinner Steve Smith. Even Hussey can spin the ball."

Commenting on the ban imposed on young Pakistan pacer Mohammad Aamer, Waugh said he felt sorry for the youngster. "(I) Feel sorry for him as he is too young. (But) good to see the ICC taking such decisions. I am sure he will learn to not interact with certain kind of people. Hope he will take this punishment positively.