The man often known as the Burewala Bombshell, none other than the one with batsmen hopping and stumps flying, Waqar Younis, was born November 16, 1971.Waqar really put the reverse into swing in the early 1990s and with his toe-crushing yorkers, he bucked the 1980s trend of pitching fast and short. It was designed to smash into the base of leg stump or the batsman's toes.
Waqar's surging run was a glorious sight, as he was one of the fastest bowlers ever. Regardless of his immense pace attack, he had a unique technique of aiming for the stumps rather than the batsman himself. This always earned him the desired gratitude and results ranking him the best strike rate of any bowler with over 200 Test wickets.
Before long he was appointed as captain of Pakistan for the 2001 tour to England. And the results suggested that it was an inspired and encouraging move as he led by example, taking 7 wickets for 36 runs, the second-best figures in One Day International (ODI) history, playing against England at Headingly in 2001.
This was an astounding start to his captaincy but it had a catastrophic end when Pakistan toured South Africa for the World Cup 2003 but stood runner-up one too many times. They could beat only Holland and Namibia, leading to an unceremonious exit from the tournament. Unable to regain the determination, he announced his retirement in April 2004.
But in March 2006, he was asked again to start as a bowling coach under the team coach Bob Woolmer. This came out to be a successful stretch during which a number of bowlers prospered.
In the process becoming the fourth coach of the team in three year span, Waqar Younis regained his cricketing career as he was appointed by Pakistan Cricket Board in 2010 as the official head coach at any competitive level for the national team, which now sees him through to December 2011. "I'm absolutely honoured to take on the role and it is a very exciting challenge", said Waqar. "Hopefully I can deliver on the role. Cricket has given me a lot over the years and I want to give something back to cricket and country now. I've always played my cricket with passion and aggression and I want the team to play like that".
His first assignment was to aid and motivate Pakistan to prepare the young team defend the World Twenty20 crown in the Caribbean in April-May. "I'll probably have more control of various situations and have a say in more decisions. I really enjoyed my time as bowling coach, especially the first one under Bob”.
His motive was to try to induct the same kind of aggression and fire in the team, which was Pakistan's trademark in 1990s as was necessary to win and retain the title, but sorrowfully, the defending champions had to face defeat by the Australian squad in the semi-finals, who were the runner-up as England took the Cup.
Waqar has an insight for the betterment of the national team as it had been going down the faulty path for way too long. The year 2010 had been the worst in the history with way too many changes in the squad, yet the coach kept his nerves and put forth the need of a new breed of youngsters with the will and enthusiasm, plus the experience of some dignified senior players could undoubtedly lead the national team back again victorious.
"They [experienced players] are great players", Waqar said. "But I think it's the right time to indulge new players, and I believe Umar and Asad are no doubt very talented and have a bright future. We have not won anything significant over the last two-three years, but with youngsters in the side we have a hope to get back on a winning track".
