What do you do when your father is a former Australian cricket captain, widely regarded as one of the greats of the game, and your uncle is considered one of the most elegant and gifted stroke-makers of all time? In the case of Austin Waugh, it's simple.
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The 15-year old son of Steve has created a stir at the Under 17 National Championships in Brisbane, where he has propelled the Cricket Australia XI into the semi finals. The side is made up of only 15-year-olds, making them the youngest team in the competition.
Waugh belted an unbeaten 61 from just 48 balls, with 10 boundaries, to push the side to 4-265. Bankstown youngster Thomas Sowden (76) and Manly batsman Aiden Bariol (50) laid the foundations earlier in the innings.
The South Australian Redbacks were on the receiving end of Waugh's treatment, and were unable to match the score. They were bowled all-out for 214, with spinner Jarrod Freeman taking 4-34.
Waugh has been dominating proceedings in the tournament so far, scoring 155 runs at 77.5 from the six matches he's played.
While Austin has two immediate family members to look up, his father Steve thinks he should be looking abroad for a role model. Speaking to cricket.com.au, the former Australian captain said that Austin should look up to Indian captain Virat Kohli in how he plays the game.
"If you need someone as your role model, I think he should be Virat Kohli," he said. "[Austin] should aspire to play like him. I like aggression in players, if it can be controlled. Sometimes, Virat crosses the line a little bit but I like his passion."
It's not clear whether Waugh has imparted any of his sledging tips on the youngster as yet.
The Cricket Australia XI now face Queensland for a place in the final. Reigning champions NSW Metropolitan are up against Victoria Metropolitan in the other semi final.
