Waqar Younis appointed bowling coach

Waqar Younis has been handed his first managerial role for Pakistan © Getty Images Enlarge

Waqar Younis, the former fast bowler, has been appointed the bowling coach of Pakistan while Zaheer Abbas, the former Pakistani batsman, is the team manager. Waqar's duties will include working with the Pakistan A, Under-19 and Academy teams.

Waqar, 34, was known famously for his ability to reverse swing the ball at toe-crushing lengths and his lethal pairing with Wasim Akram was a prime reason for Pakistan's success in the nineties. With 789 international wickets, Waqar is second only to Akram in Pakistan's all-time wicket-takers. He captained Pakistan with little success - he was at the helm during a disastrous 2003 World Cup campaign - and lost the job to Rashid Latif thereafter. He announced his retirement in 2004 and has been a commentator since then.

Abbas, a stylish batsman in his day, played 78 Tests and 62 one-day internationals, averaging 44.79 and 47.62 respectively. He also had much success playing for the English county side Gloucestershire, and after leaving the game he officiated in one Test and three one-day internationals in the 1993-94.

Pakistan's next assignment is a two-Test and three one-day international tour of Sri Lanka beginning March 17.