Shoaib's absence may cost us dearly: Waqar

Lahore, June 11 (UNI) Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis says pace ace Shoaib Akhtar's absence may prove costly to the team on their England tour.

The 30-year-old tear away pacer, who is nursing an ankle injury, was not included in the England-bound squad.

However, Waqar hoped Shoaib would join the team sooner than later.

''Pakistan is going to play an important series in England and I hope Shoaib will regain 100 per cent fitness to join the team as soon as possible,'' Waqar was quoted by the 'Dawn' as saying.

He said he had not seen medium-pacer Shahid Nazir, who has been drafted in place of Shoaib.

Waqar was of the view that Pakistan's pace attack was not experienced but he had high expectations of Mohammad Asif, Rana Navedul Hasan and Umar Gul.

He gave emphasised on improving line and length of the bowlers during the two-week training camp.

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