Azhar Mahmood — the former Pakistani all-rounder who has been included in England’s coaching staff for the T20Is against Pakistan says he is happy to help England bowlers. Mahmood is appointed in the support role to England bowling coach- Jon Lewis in the T20 series against Pakistan.
The first match of the England vs Pakistan T20I series at the Old Trafford was abandoned due to rain. This is the third consecutive match between the two sides being abandoned due to rain. The other two matches came in the test series which the sides played before the T20 series.
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Cricket has given me a lot. Now I want to pass on my experience: Azhar Mahmood
The former Pakistan cricketer doesn’t care which side he is coaching to, he just wants to pass on the rich experience he has acquired over the years playing cricket at the top level.
“Cricket has given me a lot. Now I want to pass on my experience — it doesn’t matter whether a player is from England or Pakistan or wherever.” Mahmood told AFP in a telephone interview on Saturday
“I’m a professional, I’ve played in leagues with different teams, I know my role.” he explained.
England cricket team (Image Credit: Google)
Mahmood who has coached England white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan in the Pakistan Super League said the latter has appreciated his skills. He says it is a great opportunity for him to coach England and to work with a great bunch of people in the staff.
“They have seen my ability working with players . Eoin Morgan told me ‘we know your skills’. They are a really great bunch of people, the England coaching staff, and this is a great opportunity for me.” Mahmood said.
“Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Afridi, they have all grown up in my hands,” says Azhar Mahmood
Mahmood says the three Pakistan ace pacers Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been developed by him under his wing. He recalls his time coaching the Pakistan team who won the Champions trophy.
“Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir and now Shaheen Shah Afridi — they have all grown up in my hands. I was glad to help them win the Champions Trophy and that Test at Lord’s with a young attack — we achieved a lot in a short period of time,” Azhar Mahmood recalled.
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The 45-year-old Azhar Mahmood was in the Pakistani coaching staff until last year. He is a British citizenship holder and will be under head coach — Graham Thorpe, who replaces Chris Silverwood. He will be supported by assistant coach Paul Collingwood. Marcus Trescothick has been appointed batting coach while former Essex wicketkeeper James Foster will be the wicketkeeping coach for the series.
