Speaking from Colombo where Waugh is preparing to lead Australia in the first of three Tests against Pakistan, the 37-year-old said he was impressed with the youngsters he saw.

"There are plenty of good youngsters there and English cricket is definitely on the way up," he commented.

"There was one fast bowler at Kent, Martin Saggers, who I thought deserved a closer look, I saw (James) Anderson of Lancashire and we played against a 17-year-old (Nick Thornicroft) for Yorkshire in the last match.

"Things are definitely going in the right direction."

Concerns had been expressed in some quarters that Waugh was using his month-long stint to scout potential England players ahead of the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.

He was quick to play down such suggestions but confess that he had been observing England's young pacemen Steve Harmison and Simon Jones.

Different standard

"They've both played a Test match, done well and both of them are quick so people will think they are suited to Australian wickets," Waugh said.

"It's a lot different getting out there and bowling and getting the right lengths and being pressurised by Australia, but it's a big opportunity for those guys," he added.

Waugh appeared in four first-class matches for Kent making a century in his final match against Yorkshire.

With his place in the Australian Test side currently under threat, he may not appear for his country beyond the next winter, prompting speculation of a more permanent stint in county cricket.

Waugh confirmed he had received offers but said: "There are always approaches but I'm not sure what I'll do next year and whether I want another five months of county cricket."