Legendary duo return to coach Pakistan

Former skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has been confirmed as Pakistan’s new head coach in all formats, with legendary quick Waqar Younis joining him as bowling coach.

Misbah received unanimous support of the five-person panel to replace South African Mickey Arthur, whose tenure came to an end after the recent World Cup.

Bowling coach Azhar Mahmood and batting coach Grant Flower were also shown the door.

Misbah will be Pakistan's 30th head coach, but it is the first time that the head coach will also be the chief selector, along the lines of the system in New Zealand.

A five-man PCB committee also interviewed former Australian batsman Dean Jones and former Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan before deciding unanimously in Misbah's favour.

Misbah is Pakistan's most successful Test captain with 26 wins in 56 Tests and 11 draws.

The 45-year-old Misbah played 75 Tests and more than 200 limited-overs internationals for Pakistan before he retired in 2017.

Misbah and Waqar have previously worked closely together in the national side, with the pair captain and coach between 2014 and 2016.

"It is very humbling for me to join a select group of some of the very best to have coached the Pakistan national sides in the past," Misbah said in a statement.

"It is an honour and more than that, a massive responsibility as we live and breathe cricket.

"I know expectations are high, but I am absolutely ready and up for the task otherwise I would not have thrown my name in the hat for one of the most challenging and coveted roles in Pakistan cricket."

Misbah’s first assignment as coach will be the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka before Pakistan head to Australia for two Tests and three T20s this summer.

Pakistan will face Australia in T20s in Sydney, Canberra and Perth in early November before Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide – the latter a day-night affair – later that month as part of the new World Test Championship.

- with AFP