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Published 19 Jul, 2012 02:08pm

Give young bowlers a chance, Waqar tells selectors

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.

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