Waqar eyeing successful South Africa, New Zealand series for World Cup boost

ABU DHABI - Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has urged his team to get back to its winning ways as they begin the build-up to next year’s World Cup.

“We haven’t won anything recently and after a chaotic England tour things are becoming clearer, so if we win against South Africa and then on the New Zealand tour it will be a good build-up for the World Cup,” the Dawn quoted Waqar, as saying.

Pakistan is scheduled to play two Twenty20 matches, a five-match ODI series and two Tests against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates before touring New Zealand.

Waqar further said that he hoped the three players involved in the spot-fixing scandal would be available for the World Cup.

“I hope they (three suspended players) are available to play, but at this point of time we can only hope because they are three key players and it’s never easy to lose your key players,” Waqar said.

“Asif and Aamer had been progressing very well but if they are not available we have replacements in mind and they will step in, like we have three good spinners who will come handy in the World Cup held in the sub-continent,” he added.

Pakistan Test skipper Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were alleged to be involved in bowling pre-planned ‘no-balls’ during their recent Test against England at Lord’s.

The players will now go through an ICC hearing over the unspecified charges contained in the governing body’s code of conduct.

According to reports, the hearing is expected to take place on October 28 in London. (ANI)