Former Proteas all-rounder Vernon Philander has joined the Pakistan coaching staff for the 2021 T20 World Cup in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Philander will be the team’s bowling coach. Australian Matthew Hayden has been appointed Pakistan’s batting coach for the tournament.
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“I know Philander well. He understands the nuances of bowling and has a great record in Australia,” said new Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive officer Ramiz Raja.
“Hayden can bring some aggression into the team. He has experience of World Cups and was a world-class player himself. Having an Australian in the dressing room will be a great benefit for us.”
“We need to develop an environment in which we generate professional cricketers at young level. This will help the Pakistan Super League franchises as well, who are on the lookout for youngsters.
“I would like the former greats to coach them. We need to give push to the age-group cricketers so they can excel in the sport from an early age.
“The national side has the potential to win the T20 World Cup and we need to back the side selected for the global event. We need to fine-tune our plans.
“Pakistan cricket’s DNA consists of fearlessness, and we need to define a proper model and provide clarity to achieve desired results.”
Pakistan have been pooled with New Zealand, Afghanistan, India and two qualifying teams for this year’s T20 World Cup.
Philander joins Duminy at 2021 T20 World Cup
Philander’s former franchise and international team-mate JP Duminy was named a specialist consultant for the Proteas at the 2021 T20 World Cup last week.
Duminy and fellow consultant Justin Sammons, who are employed by Gauteng and North West respectively, have been hired in the absence of former assistant coach Enoch Nkwe. He resigned in late August 2021.
“I would like to thank the Lions and the North West for making JP and Justin available to us, where they are currently employed as the respective batting coaches,” said Cricket South Africa director of cricket Graeme Smith.
“Justin previously worked with the Proteas during the first part of our current tour of Sri Lanka, so he has already developed a good working relationship with the players.
“JP is a perfect fit for T20 cricket. His record as a player speaks for itself and he will bring specific skills in all three disciplines of batting, bowling and fielding.”