Steve Waugh says no amount of 'prancing' can save a player once he's shown his 'fear'

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has said that no amount of 'prancing, preening or dialogue' can rescue a 'fearful' cricketer once he has shown his vulnerability in the confined space of a cricket ground.

According to News.com.au, in his book 'The Meaning Of Luck', Waugh pointed out that the eyes cannot hide fear, adding that to have the antennae to detect such anxiety is a vital mechanism for any player to possess, especially the captain, who can tailor his tactics accordingly to capitalise on the situation.

Waugh said that the longer the agony of the player continues, the more benefit the opposing team derived from his fear, adding that having a teammate slowly succumb while being exposed to the point of humiliation can strike at the heart of a team and rupture its conviction.

Stating that the players', especially batsmen, body languages betrayed their unease as they tried to withstand their nemesis, Waugh also said that they were not much afraid of afraid of being struck or injured, just petrified of getting out, adding that they then play the man and not the ball.

Waugh further suggested the best thing for a team to do is to target the captain of the opposing side as he is the pulse of the team, adding that the attitude and character of the unit are a reflection of his values.