We have one of the best bowling sides in the world: Azhar Mahmood

Newly appointed bowling coach of Pakistan, Azhar Mahmood has said that the Pakistan side boasts of the best bowling attack in the world. He also said that the return of Mohammad Amir has been key in the formation of the bowling unit. The bowling trio of Amir, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Irfan has become a formidable unit in the past year and Azhar Mahmood certainly believes that they can run through any batting lineup.

“We have one of the best bowling sides in the world and there is no doubt about that. We all know that Mohammad Amir is a proven match-winner and then you add a seven-footer in Mohammad Irfan who has an advantage of height, the pace battery of the side looks really exciting. Not to forget we have Wahab Riaz as well,” Mahmood was heard saying.

“So, we have Aamer’s variety, Irfan’s height and Riaz’s pace which makes for a threatening pace attack. We have all our bases covered in the pace department. We have a line of left-arm quicks, and the inclusion of Mohammad Sami only adds to the variety of the attack who can bowl at 145 KMPH,” Mahmood further added.

Azhar has been named as the bowling coach for Pakistan in the interim, with the Asia Cup and the World T20 as his primary assignments. He took over from Mushtaq Ahmed with the latter rested due to fatigue.

“I got a call from Waqar Younis (Pakistan coach) a week ago when I was playing Pakistan’s domestic T20 league. He asked me if I was interested in this role and I said yes in the blink of an eye. I had other commitments after the World T20 so this role suited me perfectly,” he said while talking about his sudden appointment.

He also said that his primary job is to simply pass on the knowledge that he has amassed over decades of cricket to the current bowling regime.

“These guys have been working hard for the last two years with Waqar Younis. My job is to only pass on my knowledge and skills and give them more confidence when it comes to executing bowling plans. I am enjoying each moment of mine with the Pakistan team and hopefully, I can pass on my experience to the younger lot in the line-up,” 41-year-old said.

“I have played around the world and have enough experience under my belt to help them with little things. I would be more than happy to help them get better in their skill not just from the bowling perspective but batting and fielding as well.”