Pakistan add Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed to coaching ranks for England tour

The pair will join head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling coach Waqar Younis in a star-studded line-up of former players on the coaching staff

Pakistan greats Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed have been appointed as the national team’s batting and spin bowling coaches respectively for their upcoming tour of England.

The tourists are due to play three Tests and three T20Is between August and September, with the series dates still to be confirmed.

The pair will join head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling coach Waqar Younis in a star-studded line-up of former players on the coaching staff.

In nine Tests in England, Khan made 810 runs at an average upwards of 50, with centuries in 2016 at The Oval and at Headingley in 2006. Mushtaq, meanwhile, became a key performer in county cricket for Sussex, having also played 52 Tests for his country.

The former batsman said: “For me, there has never been a bigger honour and a better feeling than to represent my country and I feel privileged to have been again offered the opportunity to serve it for a challenging but exciting tour of England.

“I have never been shy of sharing my experiences and knowledge, and I think this particular tour provides me with an ideal opportunity where I can spend post-training time with the players to engage with them on batting techniques, bowler assessments, mental toughness exercises besides talking them through with scenario planning.

“We all know English conditions demand not only precise technique but patience and discipline, and if you can master these, then you will not only excel in England but anywhere in the world. With the quality we have in the team, I think we have a good chance to produce good results if we prepare properly, get our processes right and hit the ground running as soon as we land.”

PCB chief executive Wasim Khan added: “Younis’ work ethics, commitment to match preparation, game awareness and tactics in the English conditions will be invaluable. He is a role model to a number of current players and is hugely respected. I have no doubt that the squad will benefit from the immense value that he will bring, both on and off the field.

“Mushtaq knows the English conditions as well as anyone, having spent a lot of time playing county cricket and working with the England cricket team. Apart from guiding the spinners and playing a mentor’s role, Mushtaq can be helpful to Misbah in match planning and preparations.

“It is crucial that the side understands the conditions that they will encounter in the upcoming series and so having the experience of the likes of Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed to compliment head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling coach Waqar Younis will be invaluable.

“These appointments are part of the PCB’s commitment to help and support Misbah and his team to achieve the objectives of producing strong performances that can help the national side to once again become a force to be reckoned with.”

Save 30% when you subscribe to The Cricketer’s print & digital bundle. £35 for 12 issues