Sydney: The legendary Richie Benaud’s bronze sculpture was unveiled at the SCG on Friday, but the cynosure was the iconic Steve Waugh, who was present with wife Lynette.

Steve’s only other visit to the hallowed ground which oozes history so majestically, after his retirement in January 2004, was during last year’s Ashes Test.

“Somehow I still feel nervous... Feel edgy when I come to the SCG, my home ground,” he admitted.

Steve spoke to the media in general and, then, took time off to have a one-on-one with The Telegraph — his sole exclusive interaction of the day.

The following are excerpts

On whether he watched Benaud play

Not live, but I’ve seen a lot of his footage... Very impressive stuff... The statue has captured the essence of Richie and what I particularly like is the collars up bit... He had flair, had individuality... Richie was one of the first with flair and individuality.

On returning to the SCG for only the second time since his retirement

It’s always a great place to come back to, memories come flooding... Somehow I still feel nervous... Feel edgy when I come to the SCG, my home ground... I felt that way during 20 years of playing...

On the emotional send-off at the SCG four years ago

Yeah, it was a special day... That was a good series (against India) and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we players did.

On whether, at any time, he has missed cricket

(Laughs) No... I’ve been playing enough backyard cricket with my son to keep me happy... The family is now my priority and I’ve been doing other things... Business, charity...

On having said that cricketers live in a bubble

I did say that, but there are a lot of positive things too for the cricketers... Playing for their country... Earning a lot of money... There’s scrutiny, yes, but that’s the price you pay for being professiona- and earning big.

On whether it’s painful that two former teammates of his, Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist, engaged in a war through the media

It’s not painful, but when you play together as a unit you learn to get along... You may not be the best mates but you’ve got to show each other respect... Shane’s retired now and he has an opinion... People want opinions... Of course they would probably have been better off talking behind closed doors and not expressing their views in public. But, then, both are strong personalities and have strong opinions.

On Warne’s criticism of some of the tactics during Team India’s last tour of Australia (2003-04), when he was captain

The strategy would be discussed in team meetings and Warne would be among the XII (players) present... With hindsight one can say a lot of things.

On India’s showing in the ongoing series

It’s still early to judge... Today (Friday) is only the seventh morning of the series... It’s a critical day for India, probably the most crucial of the series... If it doesn’t go well and India lose the Test, then the series is effectively gone... Being an Australian, I don’t want India to do too well!

[The Q&A session was held before Day III, which turned out to be terrific for India, got under way.]

On Anil Kumble getting the Test captaincy at 37

Don’t see why he can’t do a good job... Of the others, I think (V.V.S.) Laxman has a good cricket mind and probably (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni as well.

On having praised Sourav on the eve of the series

(Smiles) I meant exactly what I said — even if you don’t like Sourav, you’ve got to respect and admire him... In fact, he’s probably in the form of his career... We did have a few issues when I was playing, but such things are part of the game and well forgotten now. I respect him as a player and have never seen him bat better.

On Rahul Dravid being made to open

I’m okay with it, but the point is that Dravid’s out of form... He needs to take a break, get away from it all...

On having telephoned Dravid the other day

We spoke generally, nothing specific to this Test or series.

On whether age is a factor in international cricket

Age is irrelevant these days as long as you’re healthy and fit and your mind is strong... The players are much better looked after nowadays, they’ve got good minders and follow a regimen... Somebody who’s 35 today is like somebody who was 30 till some years ago... I don’t see why players can’t play till they’re 40... The main issue for the senior players is whether they can stay away from the family for long periods...

On Ricky Ponting’s men being one win away from equalling the record set under his captaincy, that of 16 consecutive Test wins

If they do, it will be a great achievement... When you’re playing, you try and set the benchmark, get one step further than somebody else... If they win this Test then there’s no knowing how many they’ll win... I’m happy that my legacy continues.

On whether he could come back to the Australian dressing room as coach

Doubt it very much... I really enjoy the role of mentoring, so that’s a possibility... Coach or selector, no.

On the buzz in some quarters that the Indian Board had been keen on him as coach

Is it? No one told me... In any case, coaching isn’t on my radar.

On why Greg Chappell wasn’t successful with Team India

The problem for an India coach is that the selectors and the country want immediate results... If you’re trying to build something for the future, then you don’t have the time to set things right... In some ways, the problem in India is the lack of patience. You need four-five years to get results... You’ve got to pick a core group of players and be patient with them. Have belief in them.

On the quality of umpiring in the ongoing Test

My views are very well known... Umpires can have a bad day just like batsmen play a bad shot or bowlers bowl a bad spell... Having said that, the umpires must also be accountable.

On whether the appalling umpiring on Day I could cost India the Test

If they allow it to... They shouldn’t be thinking of the decisions.

On whether he’s in touch with Udayan, the home for the children of leprosy sufferers

Oh yes... I know I haven’t been able to go there for some years but, last week, I sent funds for a total revamp of the playing fields. If all goes well, I’ll be in Calcutta later this year.

On investing in India

Something is on the verge of being finalised in the South... There’s a hitch over the land, but I expect things to get sorted out.

Finally, on Lynette, who underwent brain surgery to remove a clot in 2006

(Emotionally) She’s recovered... It’s such a relief for the family... Her illness did put a few things on hold.

Footnote: Lynette, for her part, maintained: “I’m indeed fine, thank you very much.”