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"Dhoni's comments this morning were really negative to the game, when he said Indian curators to doctor the pitches, which I can't understand," Waugh said during the India- Australia Innovative Forum.
The Indian skipper, after winning the first Test against England at Ahmedabad yesterday, expressed his displeasure at the Motera wicket and said that "we wanted the curators to prepare the pitches that will turn from day one".
"You want to be aggressive and be the best in the world, you got to take all the conditions and not always ask for the conditions that suits your style of play. I was a bit surprised with that. I think if you are looking to be the best in the world you got to learn to play in all conditions."
The former great said that during his tenure as the head of the Australian team he was never bothered about what sort of wicket they were playing on.
"I captained the side for 57 games and never once had a word with the curator about what sort of pitch we are going to play," Waugh said.
However, the veteran of 168 Tests said that India were the favourites to win the four-match rubber against England.
"India are a strong side, always hard to beat in India and some of the young players are coming through, which is great sign for Indian cricket. (Cheteshwar) Pujara getting a double century, Virat Kohli, (Pragyan) Ojha taking wickets, it is great for Indian cricket.
"You got to have to turn out of this, no players are bigger than the game, someone will always step up. Sometimes you get too carried away that experienced players are irreplaceable but the natural thing will happen, someone will
step up to play and take that role. India will will win this series, I think they will win it 3-0 because the pitches will suit their team," the 47-year-old said.
Asked about Australia's visit to India early next year, Waugh said it is going to be an "interesting series".
"In Delhi, can't say Australia can win, can I? No, it is silly. It is just like saying Tendulkar should get retired, of course he should play on, when are you in India. It is interesting for both teams. I think by that time Australia may be more developed than India. Because India are starting to turn the things now and Australia have started their process 12 to 18 months ago. It will be a close series," Waugh said.
Waugh, who is considered as one of the most successful skippers, however maintained that the result of the forthcoming series will depend on lot of factors.
"It depends, I guess a lot on people like Tendulkar whether he is still around. India is coming to a stage pretty shortly where things are going to be a little tough for them for the next couple of years, when they have this new side coming around and legends of the game are no longer there.
"The good sign is that Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly are not there and the side is still playing well. That tells you India has got a lot of depth in their cricket system," Waugh said.
On Australia's ongoing battle with South Africa, Waugh said a draw in the series will be a good result for the Aussies.
"It was good time for Australia to do well in the first Test, they were the underdogs. Micheal Clarke has done well as the captain. Ed Cowan, his century was important for Australian cricket. Australia will have their work cut-out in Perth, the conditions there will suit South African bowlers.
If we come out with a draw in this series it will be a good result for the Australia," the Australian said.
Talking about the various innovations used in today's game, Waugh said: "I think if you don't innovate, you can't stay ahead of the opposition. As a cricket team you need to be innovative in your approach."
"Innovation is the key, if you don't innovate and stay still, the opposition goes past you," he added.
look who is talking of spirit "negative to the game " ----did they prepare friendly pitches for opposition and --- did they sledge for the spirit of the game. --what umpiring standards Tendulkar hit on the shoulder and given out LBW -- coach Greg Chapell just to name was mastermind in spoiling the spirit of Indian dressing room
Steve Waugh seems to be outdated. It is well known that wickets are doctored to suit the strength of the home team even in Australia. What Dhoni is asking is not the moon but asking to pay back what he received in England & Australia.Every one seems to be biased towards the teams of the subcontinent
Do you see a spinning pitch in Australia or England? NO, so why comment on something they do not do themselves. Teams from Sub continent does not complain when they see a pitch green in colour or pitches that suits pace bowling. It is because fast pitches are expected there.Visitors expected pitches in India to spin, MSD has only ensured that the expectation is properly served.
I fully agree to Waugh,when you've world class players in your side who are playing good enough, so why you bothered with the pitch.Don't forget maximum members of this team has won the World Cup last year.This players can turn match for your side at any moment.
I think what we(Indians)are doing at the moment is just giving a fitting reply to hypocrisy that we receive from Australia England and up to some extent in SA. We feel that Steve wagh may not have directed to picth doctor for anything but we have witnessed that whenever our team put its foot in alien condition they are asked to take a challenge to play on a ground suitable for host nation. Why they are so scared of playing in the subcontinent. If they are looking for level playing field they should also provide it to us. If a test match can end in a three and half day due to seaming friendly condition what is wrong in it to end in the same duration on a spinner friendly pitch. Dhoni is smart and he has taken a charge to attack all those foreign teams who are so hypocrates to demand a better pitch. Steve waugh knows it very well that these are the issues which arose whenever a team loses on a foreign soil expect India in England and then Australia when they not cry over pitches.
