Now he wants to see Steve Smith's men forge a lasting identity of their own as they head into a home Ashes series that could become a defining moment for a team still finding its way on the international stage.

The opening Test at the Gabba in November will likely feature just three survivors of the 2013/14 team that whitewashed the tourists 5-0 in a lop-sided summer between the old foes. Only Smith, David Warner and Nathan Lyon have endured from a side that had the luxury of rolling out the same XI for five consecutive Tests.

New faces, injury, rotation policies, horses-for-courses selections and format-specific squads have all played their part in curtailing the kind of camaraderie Waugh craved and fostered from 1999 until 2004, where he oversaw 41 Test victories from 57 matches through an ethos of ultra-aggression and unrelenting pressure.

A home Ashes series, where virtually every ball will be watched by a public still enthralled with the rivalry against England, remains the ultimate forum for players to make their mark and in some cases, ensure their longevity in a side that still has at least one middle-order batting position up for grabs.

"Probably," Waugh said when asked if Australia were struggling to find cohesion. "And it gets harder these days because it gets a bit diluted. You have Twenty20 and one-day cricket and all these other competitions all around the world. The team is constantly evolving.

"I don't even know half the time who's in the T20 team or the one-day side. So for the average cricket fan, it must be confusing.

"I think that's part of the reason why they haven't created their own identity. But the Ashes series gives you an opportunity to do that. You're in one place and playing one team for a long time. There's packed crowds. If we can have a great series, a lot of these players will establish themselves as household names.

"You have some great players in the team, but for others it's a chance to really cement their spot. If they can play well, the identity of the side is set going forward for the next few years.

"The team needs to develop its own identity. This Ashes is their chance to do that."

Fast bowler Pat Cummins has demolished South Africans at The Wanderers but never played a Test on home soil. Fellow pace spearheads Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have yet to face England in familiar surroundings. Soon, they will have their opportunity to shine in prime time.

Waugh wants selectors to pick their Ashes team and stand fast for the series. If Mitchell Marsh was picked as an all-rounder, for example, Waugh believes he should be given a series guarantee for his place.

"It's pretty crazy. Pat Cummins hasn't played a Test in Australia. It puts it in perspective. You want to try and avoid that [turnover] as much as you can. I'd like to see selectors have a bit more patience with some of the players," Waugh said.

"The temptation is to churn them pretty quickly. I don't know if that's media pressure or the way of the world these days. We don't seem to let players develop and evolve.

"This team has an incredible amount of talent. You just need someone to show a bit of confidence, whether it's your coach or captain or selectors, someone to tell you that you are going OK and it's OK to fail sometimes.

"You have to build that culture in a side where you look after each other. You have to be there for the tough times but you also have an obligation to score runs and take wickets."

Waugh spoke in Brisbane as part of the Steve Waugh Foundation's annual Captain's Ride fundraiser, an 801-kilometre marathon cycling event that supports children and families throughout Australia affected by rare disease.

This year, the ride will feature artwork from children and grant recipients that have been turned into 3D miniature sculptures. Celebrities joining the 2017 edition include Adam Goodes, Mark Webber, Cadel Evans and Richie Porte.

Anyone interesting in supporting the cause can visit www.captainsride.com.au.