• Philander to help bring ‘positive change’ to Pakistan

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    Former Proteas speedster Vernon Philander has been put in charge of Pakistan’s bowling for the T20 World Cup.

    The PCB announced the appointment on Monday along with that of former Australia opener Matthew Hayden as head coach.

    “I think Hayden will bring an Australian touch of aggression in the Pakistan team and I personally know Philander, who can also bring a positive change,” said Ramiz Raja, just hours after his election as the new PCB chairman.

    Hayden replaces Misbah-ul-Haq while Philander takes over from Waqar Younis, both of whom stepped down last week citing personal reasons and mental stress as a result of the Covid-19 bio-secure environment surrounding fixtures and tours.

    Hayden (49) played 103 Tests, 161 ODIs and nine T20Is for Australia but has never coached at the highest level. He was partly involved as batting consultant for the Australia team on a few occasions, notably on India’s tour in 2019.

    Philander (36) migrated to Britain in 2020 after playing 64 Tests, 30 ODIs and seven T20Is for South Africa and is known as a master of swing bowling.

    Pakistan will start a three-match ODI series against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Friday, followed by five T20Is in Lahore.

    For the New Zealand series, Pakistan will have former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as interim coach and former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq as his assistant.

    Pakistan will open their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India in Dubai on 24 October.

    © Agence France-Presse

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    Simon Borchardt