England tour crucial for rebuilding Pak team, says Waqar

Sydney, June 3(ANI): Pakistan coach Waqar Younis reckons that next month's England tour will be crucial for rebuilding the team for future tournaments.

"We are starting a hectic period with the Asia Cup, but I think the England tour is very important for the team, where we need to adopt a rotation policy and I think some new players will come into the fray," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Waqar, as saying.

"I think the objective behind naming a number of youngsters is to encourage them and it is important that players be rotated because we have a series against South Africa in October-November this year as well," he added.

Waqar further backed Shahid Afridi, who was named captain for the Asia Cup and the tour of England last week.

"Afridi has not led Pakistan in Tests before, but he conducted himself well in the World Twenty20 and unity and fighting spirit would be the key to success and he can achieve both from the team," Waqar said.

Pakistan will play in the four-nation Asia Cup in Sri Lanka from June 15, then play Australia in two Twenty20 and two Tests in England before taking on the hosts in four Tests, two Twenty20 and five ODI games. (ANI)