‘Waqar key to Salman’s future’
Salman Butt delivered Pakistan to a three-wicket success against Australia.
LONDON:
Following batsman Shahid Afridi’s resignation as Test captain, Salman Butt delivered Pakistan to a three-wicket success against Australia. Much is expected from the 25-year-old ahead of the England Test series and England’s spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes that Pakistan coach Waqar Younis is key to Salman’s future success.
“Salman is lucky. He has Younis as coach,” said Ahmed. “It is very important for a young captain to have a very good, mature coach. Personally, I think this is a good combination.”
Ahmed predicts that although Salman may face obstacles tackling the captaincy role at the international level for the first time, they can be overcome with Younis’s assistance. “A young captain has to make his mistakes sometimes, and that’s why the coach will play a huge role.”
The former Pakistan spinner also said that Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming Test series were bright. “It will be a very good series. On paper, England are better than Pakistan - they have been playing very well for a while now - but, on their day, Pakistan can beat anyone.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq also remained positive about Salman and the coach’s relationship.
“Waqar will help him - he knows the problems in the team and he is trying to unite the team. Everyone is young,” said Saqlain.
“They are trying to make one team - not 11 individuals, not 11 thoughts, not 11 skilful players - just one team.” AGENCIES
Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2010.
Following batsman Shahid Afridi’s resignation as Test captain, Salman Butt delivered Pakistan to a three-wicket success against Australia. Much is expected from the 25-year-old ahead of the England Test series and England’s spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes that Pakistan coach Waqar Younis is key to Salman’s future success.
“Salman is lucky. He has Younis as coach,” said Ahmed. “It is very important for a young captain to have a very good, mature coach. Personally, I think this is a good combination.”
Ahmed predicts that although Salman may face obstacles tackling the captaincy role at the international level for the first time, they can be overcome with Younis’s assistance. “A young captain has to make his mistakes sometimes, and that’s why the coach will play a huge role.”
The former Pakistan spinner also said that Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming Test series were bright. “It will be a very good series. On paper, England are better than Pakistan - they have been playing very well for a while now - but, on their day, Pakistan can beat anyone.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq also remained positive about Salman and the coach’s relationship.
“Waqar will help him - he knows the problems in the team and he is trying to unite the team. Everyone is young,” said Saqlain.
“They are trying to make one team - not 11 individuals, not 11 thoughts, not 11 skilful players - just one team.” AGENCIES
Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2010.