LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team's newly appointed coach and former captain, Waqar Younis hinted that they will be banking upon spinners in the World T20 in the West Indies later this month.
“We have variety of all types of bowlers but I think we have an edge in the spin department and we will be depending upon our spinners to play a key role in team's success to defend the title.” he told reporters at the National Cricket Academy here on Tuesday.
Nearly thirty players, a mixture of Pakistan squad and junior players are preparing for the Cup under the watchful eyes of Waqar who will be in a major role as a full fledged coach in his first assignment.
Waqar said they have good spinners in Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Muhammad Hafeez and they could be a vital force to shatter the batting of any opponent.
Praising the might and strength of his team, Waqar said that Pakistan have a fair chance to defend the title after playing two successive finals of the fastest version of cricket and winning the title once.
“The boys are working hard and their response in training is of the highest level. If they maintain the same form, they can retain the title,” said the former pace bowler.
Waqar said he has received a tremendous response from players in training and he is astonished to see their that level of interest in all types of preparations for the build up of the team.
Revealing the reason behind that special interest, he said “most probably it is the result of the fine and punishment handed over to players by Pakistan Cricket Board in the backdrop of their dismal performance in the tour of Australia.”
“I have been associated with the team in the past and I have never seen that high level of interest shown by players in training and fitness and I believe it is a very good sign because total commitment and promise is needed to achieve our set goals in the Cup,” he asserted.
He said that the shortcomings are being noticed and remedial measures are being taken on daily basis to blend the team into a winning combination.
“I have a good understanding with Shahid Afridi and we discuss every matter and individual performances on a daily basis to ensure the best possible training of players,” he added.
Answering a question, he said it was quite unfortunate the way Shoaib Malik's marriage issue with Sania Mirza was being dealt with in India.
