KARACHI: Newly-appointed Pakistan’s fielding and bowling coach Waqar Younus has expressed confidence that his team has the capability to beat Australia next month and advised young players to bring more consistency in their performances.

The 40-year-old former pacer, who was roped in by the Pakistan Cricket Board as bowling and fielding coach for team’s upcoming tour of Australia starting this month, said Pakistan have a worldclass pace attack in the form of Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir and Umar Gul and is capable of taming the strong Aussie batting line-up.

‘I believe we have a team that is capable of beating Australia in the Tests. Australia are definitely beatable at the moment but this will take a lot of hard work and commitment from our players,’ Waqar said.

‘Our bowling is fine, but it is the fielding department, where we are weak and need to show lot of improvement. That is something I want to work on very closely with the players,’ he said.

Pakistan’s former captain was due to meet the Pakistani players in Napier on Friday when the third Test begins.

Waqar, who is based in Sydney, said he was excited by the role given to him for the tour of Australia. ‘Presently my assignment is only for the Australian tour after which I will sit down with the board officials and discuss my future plans with them,’ Waqar said.

The former Test captain, who had retired in 2003, also added that the tour of Australia would not be an easy one, as they are one of the toughest countries to tour and beat.

He said it would be a great learning experience for all those, who will tour Australia for the first time. ‘You do well in Australia and you reach the top of the world,’ he added.

Waqar also said that team would certainly be going to miss the services of former captain Younis Khan in Australia. ‘He has a great record in Australia and his experience and batting skills are invaluable. But we have to manage without him now,’ he said.— Agencies