India need to be consistent to be number one: Waugh

Australia's decline is part of a cycle but India has to be more consistent if they are to emerge as the new number one side in the world of cricket, said former Aussie captain Steve Waugh.

"I think India's got to do it for a period of time and we've got to get back in and assert our authority. But for the good of the game, it's probably better that you have sides challenging the top teams," the former Australian skipper was quoted as saying by 'The Sydney Morning Herald'.

Waugh said he wasn't surprised to see the Aussie decline as every top side goes through a transition phase.

"It's a cycle. We were never really going to be able to dominate for more than 10 or 15 years. The great West Indies team did it for about that long. We've had a similar stint.

"And who's to say we're not still going to be top for a while. We're pretty close now and there's no one who can say they're clearly No.1," he said.

Waugh also laughed off suggestions that Australia's decline has been hastened by coaches from Down Under serving other teams. Instead, he feels as world champions, it is an obligation on Australia to impart skills to other countries.

"I think you have a responsibility as a cricketer. If someone asks you for a piece of advice, you should share the knowledge. It makes the game better and more competitive," said Waugh, a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club.

"(Australia's sharing of knowledge) is good for the game. I don't think it's a problem. It happens in business, it happens in a lot of areas. And you can look at it the other way - Bishen Bedi helped Jason Krejza and he went on to take 12 wickets. It happens quite a lot," he added