Shoaib Malik’s return to the Pakistan team has been one of the highlights of the year for cricket fans.
Coach Waqar Younis is greatly impressed by his transformation and feels that his wife tennis star Sania Mirza must be lauded for the ‘new Malik’.
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“Credit must be given to his wife, she’s a top level sports star herself so she knows how to deal with the demands and pressures of the game. I find Malik a lot more humble and understanding than before and his game has gone up a notch too,” Waqar told Sport360.
Malik was in instrumental form against England in Abu Dhabi last month, scoring 245 in his first Test appearance in over five years.
He returned his best Test figures of 4 for 33 in 9.5 overs as the tourists were bowled out for 306 in the first innings.
Meanwhile, Waqar is yet to confirm whether he will extend his coaching contract as Pakistan coach.
“I am not sure if I’ll be around for the England tour or not, but the fact is that we need rigorous preparations for the Test series. We need to prepare practice wickets that offer seam and bounce; perhaps we need to use English balls to fine tune.
“We might have an experienced batting line-up in Tests but that alone is not going to help there. England are very good at home and they will be gunning to avenge the Test defeat here,” Waqar said.
The former Test captain, who enjoyed an illustrious career as one of the most feared fast bowlers during the 90s, made an impassioned commitment to Pakistan cricket.
“Cricket is my bread and butter; ask my wife how much I am committed to the cause of Pakistan cricket. I so want them at the top of the world. I can tell you I won’t give up; I am a fighter and have always tried to come through tough times in my life.”
