Waqar admits wet weather hampering team’s practice

ISLAMABAD: As wet weather continues to haunt Pakistan team, Bowling Coach Waqar Younis has admitted that preparations for the three-match ODI series against England could not get off to an ideal start.

After landing in Derby and getting out of quarantine, Pakistan rarely got a full day for practice session because of rain and wet weather. “Unfortunately our preparations have been marred by wet weather so far. The preparations have not been ideal for the ODI series. We have a few more days and hopefully would be in a position to train hard during the remaining period.”

Waqar, however, was happy to see his key bowlers gaining rhythm and form. “Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah and Haris Rauf are in formidable touch which indeed is very encouraging news for Pakistan cricket. All the leading bowlers are in fine rhythm and that is what you require when you play such a tough and demanding series.”

To ‘The News’ question about the apparent weaknesses Sri Lanka frontline batsmen had shown during the one-sided series against England, Waqar said it was no match as hosts dominated all the way. “We have closely monitored the series and know well where the visitors went wrong. We have monitored the strengths and weaknesses of the hosts. Sri Lankans’ inability to handle rising delivery on the off stump and hosts bowlers’ strength and weaknesses were also properly observed. We have our strategy in order and hopefully you would see a competitive series. All we require is some match practice under good weather. You usually find bad weather in England so it is nothing new.”

The bowling coach added that team management’s ultimate goal is to win series and tournaments rather to see their players on the top ten ICC ranking list. “Our efforts have always been to win series and major events. We have won six series in a row and want to continue that trend rather to see our bowlers and batsmen among the top ten.”

Regarding Haris Sohail’s injury, Waqar said it was unfortunate to see him going down on the tour yet again. “He is one of the main batsmen. We want him fit for the series but it is unfortunate to see him going down with injury again.”

About coming T20 World Cup, Waqar said the conditions in the UAE should favour Pakistan. “We have considerable experience of playing on these tracks. Whatever weaknesses are there we would try to remove these in the run up to World Cup. The advent of T20 leagues has introduced many tricks of the trade in bowling. So bowlers have to be on their toes throughout the 20 overs.”

In a reaction to Mohammad Amir’s and Pakistan Chief Executive Wasim Khan’s meeting, he said he also learnt about that through media. “He is CEO of the board and as such can meet anyone. I have no idea why Wasim has met Amir.”