Youngsters crucial in modern-day cricket, say Waqar Younis

Former Pakistan coach says PSL, focus on fitness led to Champions Trophy triumph

Former Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis believes youngsters play a key role in building a team which matches the standards of modern-day cricket.

Waqar was answering questions at the Sports Journalists Association of Lahore where he highlighted the importance of young and fresh legs in a team, which according to the pace legend were key in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph.

“If you listen to all my press conferences, read all the reports that I’ve written, I always favour youngsters,” said Waqar. “I believe if you want to advance in cricket, especially the shorter versions, you need to keep bringing in young and fresh players. As you introduce new blood into the team, you’ll keep moving forward. The PSL played a big role in it [in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph], but focus on fitness and the introduction of young players were key factors.”

However, Waqar warned everyone against complacency after winning the Champions Trophy. “We should not feel overjoyed by victory,” he said. “We won, we are very happy, everything is good, but a lot of work still needs to be done. We have to keep a check on the youngsters who did well for us in the event.”

The 45-year-old laid then emphasised on improving fitness standards further. “Mickey Arthur has laid a lot of emphasis on the fitness of the players. You saw the effects of improved fitness; the kinds of catches the players took, the way they ran batsmen out, their quick movement in the field — all that was needed by Pakistan. And youngsters brought this into the team. Now you have to persist with these standards.”

Waqar, famously known as the ‘Borewala Express’, also suggested focusing on players while they are touring with the A team or playing in the domestic circuit.

“The trainers at the national level should also work at the lower levels,” explained Waqar. “The A team players, the domestic players and the cricketers participating in the PSL should be given the same fitness plan as being followed by the national team players. This will help the team because if you find a talented player, he will come prepared for the national team. What happened in the past was that he didn’t come prepared and got injured.”

On Sohail and Fawad

Right-arm pacer Sohail Khan was excluded from the team despite being the best bowler in the second edition of the PSL, and Waqar thinks his fitness is the reason behind it.

“You should ask this question to Arthur because he can give you the right answer, especially regarding Sohail,” said Waqar. “There is no doubt that he knows the art of bowling, but unfortunately he becomes less effective when he bowls his second spell. He needs to work a lot on his fitness to rectify that.”

Meanwhile, Waqar also expressed his reservations when asked about Fawad Alam’s inclusion in the Test side after Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan’s departure.

“Fawad was unlucky that he played in an era of greats such as Younus and Misbah,” explained Waqar. “Azhar Ali matured as a Test batsman, Asad Shafiq did well in the format. So he wasn’t able to make his place in the team. Now we have two vacancies in the team, but the question is would you prefer a 30+ Fawad or would you rather play a 22-year-old youngster who can play for you in the long term?”