Pakistan appoint Waqar Younis as bowling coach

KARACHI, Mar 8 (Reuters) Pakistan have appointed former captain and fast bowler Waqar Younis as their bowling coach until the 2007 World Cup.

''Waqar will be looking after the Pakistan senior, A and under-19 teams besides being based at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore,'' Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director Abbas Zaidi told Reuters today.

Waqar, 34, retired after captaining Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup having taken 373 test and 416 one-day wickets.

In harness with left-armer Wasim Akram he formed one of the most potent new ball attacks in the sport's history.

''Waqar is a big strike for us because he himself has been very keen to work with the bowlers. We are sure Pakistan cricket will benefit from his experience, skills and commitment,'' Zaidi said.

''We are hoping that with someone of his calibre in charge, we would be able to unearth some new talent in fast bowling and also groom the available bowlers.'' Pakistan has employed former England batsman Bob Woolmer as coach since June 2004 and today appointed Pakistani Shahid Aslam as his assistant coach.

Zaidi also announced former test captain Zaheer Abbas would be manager of the tour of Sri Lanka from next week.

Reuters AY BD1738