A fit pace attack will be key to success in England: Waqar

Karachi:

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis believes the national team's success on the upcoming Test tour to England would mostly depend on the fitness of its fast bowlers.

The former captain said Pakistan not only want its front-line pacers fully fit during the tour but also need a good backup for them.

"We've got a long tour this summer and (players) are already injured and that's why we have given Umar Gul a rest, Yasir Arafat a rest. We need all those fast bowlers for the English conditions," Waqar said.

Pakistan play six Tests in England between July and September against Australia and England besides ODIs and T20 Internationals.

He also made it clear that he is always ready to be flexible in adopting strategies for the team.

"I am also trying to identify and nurture new talent in Pakistan," Waqar said specially mentioning left-arm pacer, Muhammad Irfan name's.

Waqar spoke highly of Irfan and said the youngster has the potential to play for Pakistan.

"Why not? He is totally unorthodox, he's tall, he's got potential. I thought he might be good for the World T20 competition but unfortunately he couldn't get into the side. I believe he is a future material for Pakistan," the former pacer was quoted as saying in the pakpassion.net website.

Waqar also said that in Twenty20 cricket one had to be flexible to maximise opportunities.

"Twenty20 is a kind of a format where you can shuffle anyone, you can bring anyone up or down. We've got a few plans and we're going to stick to it. We played quite a few practice matches before we came here (West Indies)," he said.