Waqar wants improved fielding

Waqar Younis, the Pakistan coach, has said the team will focus on fielding ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa in the UAE, which starts on October 26. The Pakistan squad will have a week-long preparatory camp ahead of the series.

"We have set up a six-day camp from October 17 before departing for the UAE on October 23," Waqar told the Express Tribune newspaper. "Although I am placing emphasis on the three departments of batting, bowling and fielding - fielding, once again is our highest priority as it has never been good."

Pakistan's catching during the recent tour of England was abysmal, with plenty of simple chances being put down. Waqar was also unhappy with the level of fielding in the Faysal Bank T-20 competition in Lahore this week. "I see weak fielding in the ongoing domestic Twenty20 championship as well, even though it is a vital aspect of the game, and if you start working on it at the lower levels it can help you at the top at the international level."

Already reeling from the spot-fixing crisis that has deprived them of three key players, Pakistan's build-up to the series had further trouble after Waqar and Shahid Afridi, the limited-overs captain, complained that the selection committee hadn't consulted them before picking the squad.

Pakistan's chief selector, Mohsin Khan, defended the decision by saying it was not in the PCB's constitution that the captain and coach needed to be consulted for the selection of the squad.