LAHORE: Pakistan cricket stars are thrilled at the addition of high profile coaches Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed in the backroom staff for the upcoming tour of England in which they will play three Tests and as many T20Is in August-September.

The presence of Mushtaq and Younis the spin bowling and batting coaches for the tour further strengthens the support staff, which also includes head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling Waqar Younis, as the squad is likely to include more than 25 players for both the formats. Pakistan’s last two Test series in England in 2016 and 2018 ended in draws. For this much-anticipated series, which has crucial World Test Championship points attached to it, the Pakistan players are eager to make the most of the star-studded backroom staff.

Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali, who accumulated 2,628 runs with Younis in 48 innings, said here on Thursday. “I have been fortunate to play a number of Tests with Younis. In my books, he is one of the best non-England batsmen to perform consistently and score heavily in English conditions in the past two decades.

“With a great technique, mental strength and match assessment, he not only dominated the opposition on the field but off the field as well. I think this offers an excellent opportunity for the emerging and younger batsmen to learn from Younis during a pressure series than they will ever learn during a training camp or an off-season.

“On a personal note, it gives me great confidence that in Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq, Waqar Younis and Younis, there will be a collective experience of 332 Tests sitting in the backroom on which I can fall for guidance and support. I dont recall we have ever gone into a series as well equipped as this one which will surely brighten up our chances,” said Azhar.

Pakistan Test vice-captain Babar Azam, who averages a staggering 102.50 in last five Tests and knitted a 131-run partnership with Younis in Kingston in April 2017, said: “Younis Khan is a living legend and I admire him for the way he used to plan and construct his innings. I look up to his resilience, grit and determination. He has done wonders for Pakistan and we are privileged that he will be part of our dressing room again.

“As part of a young and learning group of batsmen, there cant be a better feeling to have the geniuses of Misbah and Younis on my side upon which I can strengthen and define my future career.”

Opener Shan Masood, who struck his first Test century during a match-winning partnership with Younis in Pallekele in 2015 (Pakistans record chase), said: “I am very excited at the news of Younis being appointed as our batting coach and it is a great step to reap the services of one of Pakistans best.”

“Personally, I have always had a student-mentor relationship with him, having played with him in domestic teams and, more importantly, in the Pakistan team.The fact that we will all be sharing a dressing room with him excites me, as there is so much experience to draw from.”

Wrist spinner Yasir Shah, fastest bowler to take 200 Test wickets in terms of innings, said: “Mushtaq has been one of my mentors. During his career as a spin bowling coach, he has helped a number of slow bowlers to become more effective.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2020