NEW DELHI, Oct 27: Former Australia skipper Steve Waugh on Monday backed the tourists to bounce back in the third Test against India, saying they had the character to regroup for the crucial match.

Waugh, here to attend a meeting of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), spent time in the nets with the Aussies, who trail 1-0 after losing the previous game in Mohali by 320 runs. The first Test ended in a draw.

Australia need to win the Delhi Test to keep alive their chances in the four-match series and maintain their unbeaten run in Test series since 2005.

“This is a big question whether Australia can draw level with India here,” Waugh said ahead of Wednesday’s match. “They have got the character to bounce back, I have no doubt about that. I hope they also have the confidence.

“I had a look at the boys at their practice session. And judging by what I saw, the players looked intense and focused on the job at hand. I did not give any tips as such but just asked them to relax.”

Waugh, 43, praised the Indians for raising the bar in the second Test but said they would be under pressure to sustain their performance level.

“India were outstanding at Mohali. They have indeed set very high standards but I guess the pressure is now on them to keep it going and off Australia’s shoulders,” Waugh noted.

Waugh, who spent time talking with captain Ricky Ponting, opener Matthew Hayden and paceman Brett Lee, said a lot would depend on how the trio performed here.—AFP