SALMAN Butt has inherited a job few would envy yet he may just be the man to make a success of the Pakistan captaincy – thanks to the ongoing assistance of Waqar Younis, according to former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed. Forty-year-old Mushtaq, who is currently employed as specialist adviser to England’s slow bowlers, finds himself in a unique position as his native country prepare to face their hosts in a four-Test series, starting at Trent Bridge tomorrow.
And he senses his former team-mate Waqar may hold the key to Butt’s chances of sustained success as he said: “Salman is lucky. He has Waqar Younis as coach. It is very important for a young captain to have a very good, mature coach. Personally, I think this is a good combination.”
He could, of course, be forgiven mixed feelings. But Mushtaq insists he imparts goodwill in equal measure to both parties.
As for Butt, the 25-year-old opener who has become the latest incumbent in charge of Pakistan following Shahid Afridi’s resignation and retirement after the first Test against Australia at Lord’s, Mushtaq senses he may have the right credentials to rise to an always difficult task in what are especially awkward circumstances.
Pakistan are officially the tourists against England yet have just concluded a two-Test series with Australia in which they were the ‘hosts’ at Lord’s and Headingley – forced to play all fixtures outside their home country, since it became out of bounds for international cricket following last year’s terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore.
Butt began his tenure with a three-wicket, series-levelling victory in Leeds – where it was confirmed he can rely on a world-class bowling attack but must also try to get the best out of a still brittle and developing batting line-up.
Mushtaq predicts Butt will inevitably have his setbacks, and that is when he will need ex-Pakistan fast bowler Waqar most.
He added: “Maybe it will take some time. A young captain has to make his mistakes sometimes, and that’s why the coach will play a huge role.
“But overall, as long as they both have a freedom, I think it can work.”(Eurosport)