SHARJAH // Aaqib Javed, the UAE coach, believes he is on the brink of unearthing the country's first genuine quick bowler - and he is calling on some assistance from a famous friend to help him.
Waqar Younis, the former Pakistan fast bowler, will return to the site of his international cricket debut tomorrow when he conducts a three-day pace bowling clinic at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
After that, Aaqib is hopeful of enlisting his former colleague to assist with preparations for the tests facing the national teams in the near future.
The senior team face Ireland next month, while the Under 19 side is also a major focus for Javed.
The UAE are automatically qualified for the Under 19 World Cup next year as hosts, and face a test of their credentials at the ACC Under 19 Trophy in Malaysia in May.
"We want to request Waqar Younis to help us with three trials we are having with the Under 19 side," Aaqib said.
"I will send my boys to train with him [this weekend]."
Fast bowlers have long been the poor relations in UAE cricket, which is generally dominated by aggressive batsmen on pancake-flat pitches, as well as canny spinners.
However, the resourceful pace fraternity here are enjoying a period of plenty at present with Aaqib, Pakistan's former bowling coach, here on a three-year deal, plus Waqar's short specialist clinic.
"It is really good for the game here, and soon you will see one or two really fast bowlers in the UAE," Aaqib said.
"We have two players in particular who could bowl 140 kph-plus.
"It is difficult to find bowlers like this in UAE, so I am glad to have them."
Waqar's coaching course is open to any aspiring pace bowler in the UAE, with sessions starting at 3pm in Sharjah tomorrow.
Follow us
[ @SprtNationalUAE ]
