Shortly before Australia arrived in England for the 1999 World Cup, Steve Waugh received a good luck card.

It read simply: "To dear brother Steve. Wishing you luck in the forthcoming World Cup."

There was nothing remotely noteworthy about this message, other than the fact it did not come from Waugh's twin brother and team-mate, Mark. Instead it was sent from the heart of Calcutta - signed by 250 orphans afflicted with leprosy.

It was during Australia's tour of India in 1997 that Waugh, inspired by the life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, befriended the children, Touched by their plight he 'adopted' their orphanage, pumped it with funds and changed their lives.

Waugh raised 141,000 for the orphanage during a charity dinner - in which he auctioned a signed cricket bat - and, just before the World Cup, sent over 300 beds, mattresses, blankets and toys. Known in Australia as the "ultimate competitor", it revealed the human side of a ruthless cricketer.

No one has epitomised Australia's hard-edged approach these past few years more than Waugh, who hopes to steer his country to an eighth successive Ashes triumph when the First Test starts in Brisbane on Thursday. He is the poker-faced leader of an all-conquering side, but a sensitive man behind the unflappable exterior.