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‘Conditions suit us’

ABU DHABI - Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said that the series against South Africa followed by the matches against New Zealand will help the side in preparing for the 2011 World Cup to be held in the subcontinent.

Pakistan undertake a month-long tour in the UAE where they play South Africa in a full series of Twenty20, One-Day Internationals and Tests. The series, titled ‘Bank Al Falah presents Cool & Cool Cup,’ features two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests.

“We played a long England tour and we haven’t had any rest. We also play New Zealand. These two series will help in preparing for the World Cup. These conditions will suit us more than South Africa. We can still build a good side for the World Cup.”

The tour gets going with the first of the two Twenty20s on Tuesday at the Shaikh Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The first T20 is a charity match for Pakistan flood victims. Following the two T20s, the teams will play two one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi before the teams move to Dubai for the remaining three ODIs.

Then, the teams meet in the first Test in Dubai from November 12. The second Test will be played in Abu Dhabi from November 20.

About the squad, the former quick said: “We have some exciting youngsters and experienced campaigners in the squad. It is a blend of youth and experience.”

Waqar was pleased with the return of batting mainstay Younis Khan and added that the 32-year-old will have no problem in adjusting.

“Younis Khan is an experienced campaigner and he can adjust very quickly. I don’t see any problem,” Waqar said.

Waqar said that they had done their homework on South Africa and added that they need to play positive and hard cricket.

“We have studied about South Africa, especially the series they had against Zimbabwe. They are a very keen side to win. We have to play positive and hard cricket,” he said.

About Pakistan’s bowling attack, Waqar said: “We don’t have Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir. Shoaib Akhtar is back. We have Wahab Riaz and I’m pretty pleased about him. He did will in the domestic Twenty20. Tanvir Ahmed is there as well. We have a fairly good bowling line-up and a good squad.”

Waqar said that the absence of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammed Amir was tough but they have reinforcements.

“It is not easy because we have lost three major players from the squad. They are key players. But that is the way it is. It is difficult but not impossible. I hope things will settle down and they will come back. We are trying to compensate with the other boys but it is not easy,” said Waqar.

Pakistan will also play two Tests against South Africa—in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and it will be the first time that these two venues will be hosting a Test. But Waqar said that strip looks pretty good for a Test match.

“We haven’t played the longer format here. I saw the wicket and it has a nice green cover on it. But the Test match is still a long way away. I’ve spoken to the curator and he said it would last five days,” he said.

james@khaleejtimes.com