Steve Waugh's son, 21, walks away from cricket after falling out of love with the game – despite showing 'scary' similarities to his legendary dad on the pitch

A promising cricket star following in the footsteps of his legendary father has made the shock decision to walk away from the sport at the age of 21.

Austin Waugh, the son of former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh, is taking an indefinite break this summer in the hope of rediscovering his love for the game.

The former Australian under-19 all-rounder recently told his Sydney grade cricket club Sutherland he has taken some time off and not expect him back anytime soon.

The bombshell has come as a shock to many teammates after displaying 'scary' similarities to his famous dad on the cricket pitch.

Austin Waugh has shocked teammates by announcing he's taking a break from cricket

'He's a great player with a lot of potential but you never want to push someone to play,' club captain and BBL Sydney Sixers star Ben Dwarshuis told the Sunday Telegraph.

'The game can take its toll and having Waugh as a surname just adds that little bit of extra pressure.

'I think he's enjoying a bit of time away. Hopefully he takes a year off and comes back refreshed and loving his cricket again.'

Steve Waugh had already been an integral part of the Australian Test side for 14 years when his son Austin was born in 1999. 

Austin represented NSW under-age sides and played for the Australia in the 2018 under-19s World Cup, where they lost the final to hosts New Zealand. 

He was also an unused emergency fielder for the Australian team and carried the drinks in the fourth Test against India at the SCG two years ago.

Like his famous dad, Austin Waugh has already represented Australia. He's pictured in action at the under-19s World Cup in 2018

Former South Australian wicketkeeper Graham Manou was quick to spot the similarities  between father and son while working for Cricket Australia in 2016.

'It was very scary, the first time I saw him, his mannerisms,' Manou said. 

'Genetically, I suppose you'd expect but it's like he's watched a tape of his old man for years. They're very, very similar.'

But Austin insists he's a different player to his dad, who played 168 Tests for Australia.

'I think our batting styles are pretty different,' Austin said in an ICC interview in 2018. 

Austin Waugh was showing promising signs of following in the footsteps of his famous father Steve (pictured together in 2013)

'But our bowling is a bit similar. I move better than him in the field as well! (dad is) not very athletic, I guess. We have a few similarities, but on the whole, I'm a pretty different player to him.'

Television cameras have been quick to zoom in on his father's attendance  at his son's games, particularly during the under-19s World Cup in 2018.

'He's always going to be there, people are going to have an interest in him, being the player that he was,' Austin added.

'I am not worried about that. People see him as a different person I just see him as my dad.' 

Socked teammates hope Austin Waugh will rediscover his love for cricket