Former Pakistan coach and captain Waqar Younis expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Pakistan Cricket team and said that the team is moving in the right direction under newly appointed coach Mickey Arthur.
Talking to DawnNews at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Waqar said, “the biggest reason behind Pakistan’s success at Test Cricket is the result of efforts put in by senior players.”
“The team has matured in the last five years and the draw against England earlier this year lifted the morale of the players,” added the former paceman.
He added that it is a bit early to discuss the performance of coach Mickey Arthur, but added that newly appointed coach has enabled the team to perform well in the Test series against England.
The former coach said, “Mickey Arthur is an upright person for the job and his performance as coach looks goods but the real test lies ahead in the series against New Zealand and Australia”.
Waqar Younis, in his interview, also expressed his love for Test cricket and said that despite the popularity of T20s, Test cricket plays a vital in the game.
Waqar applauded the innovations introduced in the format of Test cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC). and said,
“Innovations such as day and night matches and the introduction of a pink ball will be a good attraction to pull the crowds.”
Referring to the lack of pacers in the national team, the former paceman said Pakistan is experiencing a slump in fast bowling as it has not produced many players who can bowl over 159km/h in recent years.
He also praised the efforts done under the banner of Pakistan Super League, but warned that new talent must not be restricted to the T20 format.
“West Indies team of my era can not be compared to the team,” said Waqar referring to the West Indies team playing a Test series against Pakistan.
