Former Pakistan coach Waqar Younis expects the team’s fast bowlers to shake off the effects of two days in the field and be ready for action again in time for Wednesday’s second Test against Sri Lanka at Dubai Sports City. “It was hot in Abu Dhabi and that will have taken its toll on the bowlers. But three days is long enough (for them to recover) and they will make sure they are nice and fresh when they come for the next game,” he said in an interview. “I’m sure they won’t do much bowling over the three days between matches. The team might be doing some more fielding practice instead,” he added, a comment on the seven catches put down by Pakistan in Sri Lanka’s second innings.
The two teams have two scheduled days of practice at the ICC Global Cricket Academy, another part of the rapidly developing Dubai Sports City community, ahead of Wednesday’s start of the Test. Despite the frustrations of the dropped chances for Pakistan and the resultant failure to force a win in the first Test after securing a first innings lead of 314, Waqar was heartened by the team’s display. “Overall, Pakistan did extremely well. They bowled very well in the first innings to bowl Sri Lanka out for 197. That was a great effort, especially by Junaid Khan and Aizaz Cheema. Both of them bowled their hearts out and put Sri Lanka on the back foot but Kumar Sangakkara (who made 218) was too good,” he added.