Waqar Younis optimistic ahead of England matches

Pakistan’s bowling coaches Waqar Younis is optimistic ahead of the Men in Green’s matches against England.

Pakistan team is currently based in Worcestershire, where they are preparing for the Test and T20I series against the home side.  

“Cricket, like other sports, has suffered because of Covid-19 and its return is a big plus for the entire cricketing fraternity,” said Waqar.

He was also impressed about the players’ fitness levels, despite coming to England after a three-month Covid-19 lockdown in Pakistan.

“We were in touch with the players during lockdown, through internet, so that we could guide them about how to keep themselves fit. They look in good shape and are hopeful that we will get good results on this tour,” he said.

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He was also concerned about the ban on saliva to shine the ball and urged ICC to develop alternate solutions if the pandemic prolongs.

“Some things are habitual, like using saliva to shine the ball, and it takes time to change that but we will have to adapt,” he said. “If Covid-19 prolongs, then ICC would have to come with alternative solutions to shine the ball inorder to support the bowlers.”

According to the tentative schedule of the series, the first Test will be played on August 5 in Manchester. Pakistan will play the remaining two games in Southampton, starting on August 13 and 21 respectively.

Pakistan will also play three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in Southampton on August 29, 31 and September 2.