Former Pakistan bowler and head coach, Waqar Younis has said Sri Lanka’s scintillating performance in the recently- concluded CB series in Australia makes them slight favourites for the Asia Cup.
“We have seen both India and Pakistan struggle recently in One Day Internationals with Sri Lanka doing unexpectedly well in Australia. If you go by form alone, then Sri Lanka have to be considered slight favourites, but in the sub-continent, pitches and conditions are different and will be spin friendly ?" so really its down to the classic case of any team that plays well on that one day will win. After all, these are good Asian sides ?" they all know the pitches and they all know the conditions very well,” Pak Passion.net quoted Younis, as saying.
He added that those who underestimate tournament hosts, Bangladesh, are doing it at their own risk.
“One should not write off Bangladesh as well, they are a good side ?" they may not win the tournament but they have the ability to upset some of the bigger sides,” he added.
Younis expressed concern about the “burn out” factor confronting the Pakistan team and called on new coach Dav Whatmore to notice the issue.
“I think the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup is a balanced side ?" I just feel that the boys are getting a little tired - I could see the signs of wear and tear in them during the recently concluded ODI and T20 series against England. Given that we have series against Sri Lanka and Australia coming up this year, I am sure a rotation policy will be useful here. For that you do need a few more youngsters to come into the team. I am sure Dav Whatmore will look into this and get some younger players from the domestic circuit and try and implement a sensible rotation policy,” he added.
