Australia are beatable, says Waqar

Karachi:

Newly-appointed Pakistan's fielding and bowling coach Waqar Younus has expressed confidence that team has the capability to beat tough opponent Australia and advised young players to bring more consistency in their performances.

The 40-year-old former pacer Waqar, who was on Wednesday roped in by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as bowling and fielding coach for team's upcoming tour of Australia starting this month, said Pakistan have a world class pace attack in form of Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamir and Umar Gul.

"I believe we have a team that is capable of beating Australia for the first time in a test series. Australia is definitely beatable at the moment but this will take a lot of hard work and commitment from our players," Waqar said.

"Our bowling is fine, but it was the fielding department, where we are weak and need to show lot of improvement. That is something I want to work on very closely with the players," he said.

Pakistan's former captain was due to meet the Pakistani players in Napier tomorrow when the third test begins. Waqar who is based in Sydney said he was excited by the role given to him for the tour of Australia.

"Presently my assignment is only for the Australian tour after which I will sit down with the board officials and discuss my future plans with them," Waqar said.

The former test captain, who had retired in 2003, also added that the tour of Australia would not going to be an easy one, as they are one of the toughest countries to tour and beat on.

He said it would be a great learning experience for all those, who will tour Australia for the first time. "You do well in Australia and you reach the top of the world," he added.

Waqar also said that team would certainly going to miss the services of former captain Younus Khan in Australia. "He has a great record in Australia and his experience and batting skills are invaluable. But we have to manage without him now," he said.