Misbah’s performance crucial for upcoming South Africa series: Waqar

LAHORE - Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has said that the performance of new Test captain, Misbahul Haq, will be important in the forthcoming series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Former Test skipper Waqar also noted that Misbah had the experience of captaining at the domestic level, the Daily Times reported.

“That will help him, but more than that I think his individual performance will matter a lot for him and the team,” he added.

The Pakistan coach had made it clear at the hearing of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Sports this week that he was not consulted by the PCB over the appointment of Misbah as Test captain.

He said that Salman Butt, who is currently under provisional suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) over spot-fixing allegations, had done a good job as Test captain on the recent tour to England.

“He (Salman) will be missed in the coming series,” the coach added.

Waqar pointed out that Pakistan would have the benefit over South Africa in the upcoming series, as the conditions in the UAE were similar to those at home.

“That is an edge for us but South Africa remain a very dangerous and experienced side and it will be a big challenge for our players,” he added.

Waqar, who will supervise a conditioning camp in Lahore to prepare his team for the full series, said he had opted for a short camp keeping in mind that the players had been playing a lot of cricket, and he did not want them fatigued before the important series.

He also said that Pakistan would depend a lot on their spinners in the coming Test series because of the conditions, adding that it was good to have three quality spinners in the line-up.

The selectors have picked leg spinners Danish Kaneria, Abdul Rehman and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for the two Tests. (ANI)