"It was great to see Junaid bowling so well against a powerful Sri Lankan batting line up," Waqar said.  – Photo by Reuters

KARACHI: Pakistan's former coach Waqar Younis has emphasised the inclusion of young fast bowlers in the squad in all formats of the game.

Speaking to PakPassion.net, Younis said that it would be a very big loss for Pakistan if the younger players are not given opportunities to prove themselves.

"There is enough fast bowling talent in Pakistan and the selectors should utilise the talent and give those youngsters an opportunity instead of ignoring them," he said.

He warned that players like Mohammad Sami should be on the look-out because there are many young bowlers looking to take his place.

"There are several young fast bowlers pushing the likes of Mohammad Sami for a place. I don’t want to single any youngsters out and put more pressure on them but the likes of Sami need to look over their shoulder."

Waqar said Sami had not impressed on his international cricket comeback even though his performances in the domestic circuit had been good.

"Sami has done well recently in domestic cricket but when it comes to international cricket he’s been expensive. He’s not a youngster, he’s had lots of chances and I think he’s going to find it difficult to retain his spot in the Pakistan side particularly in Test cricket."

In sharp contrast with Sami's performance, Junaid Khan was in good rhythm in the Test series against Sri Lanka where he recorded a five-wicket haul.

"It was great to see Junaid bowling so well against a powerful Sri Lankan batting line up. The main reason why Junaid was successful and Umar Gul and Mohammad Sami struggled was that Junaid was bowling the right length for those wickets."

"Junaid’s a real talent, an up and coming bowler who will only get better if he is looked after properly," Waqar said.

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...