Whatmore arrives as camp gains momentum

Wasim’s tips will benefit us in the future: Riaz.

KARACHI: Pakistan head coach Dav Whatmore arrived in Karachi yesterday to oversee the progress fast-bowlers had made at the training camp that is underway in full-swing at the National Stadium.

The coach, who returned from vacations earlier this week, is expected to be present at the camp for a few more days.

Whatmore, who refused to give in to the media’s questions, stayed on the field to make an assessment of all the fast-bowlers. He also had detailed discussions with camp commandant Wasim Akram and Pakistan bowling coach Mohammad Akram, besides exchanging words with pacers which included Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan.

The ongoing camp also holds significance since the selection committee will seek the pacers’ output before announcing the final line-up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, according to a selector.

Training will be fruitful: Riaz

Meanwhile, Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz said Whatmore’s presence has motivated the pacers who have been training hard at the camp.

“The head coach’s presence is definitely motivating,” the left-arm fast bowler said on the sidelines of the camp. “The bowlers have gained rhythm and accelerated their efforts.”

Riaz said he was taking heed of valuable tips which would help his game in the future.

“You can learn more and more about cricket each day. I am trying to gain as much experience as I can in the camp and it is helping me a lot. This camp will pay off in the future in the form of good performances by fast-bowlers.”

The pacer added he was mainly working on his swing bowling under the legendary fast-bowler Wasim.

“I am giving a lot of attention to my outswingers which is my strength. I am also taking tips on in-swing bowling from Wasim.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2013.