The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially announced that former international cricketer Abdur Rehman has been appointed as the national team’s spin bowling coach. Pakistan is preparing for the highly anticipated two-match Test series against the West Indies, which will start on January 17 in Multan, and Rehman’s addition to their coaching staff comes as he will serve as their eye on the West Indies campaign.
A left-arm orthodox spinner, Abdur Rehman played for Pakistan in Test, One Day International, and Twenty20 International from 2006 until 2014. He took 99 Test wickets at an average of 29.39 from his Test career, his best return by taking six for 25. He also did time proving his mettle in the shorter formats, taking 30 wickets in 31 ODIs and 20 wickets in 18 T20Is. With a long experience of playing and knowing how to bowl with the ball in hand, his presence is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s bowling against a powerful West Indies. Rehman also gets a brief window to get Pakistan’s spinners ready for the series opener as he takes up the new appointment.
This isn’t Rehman’s first time at the helm of coaching as he previously worked with the Pakistan women’s team helping develop young talent and creating a competitive mindset in the players. His ability to lead and technical acumen will be a huge asset to the present coaching setup. This is also part of a long-term strategy by PCB to fortify the team’s spin bowling department, an area that has always been a major aspect of Pakistan bowling. Rehman’s advice could help Pakistan get some assistance from the Multan pitch in the series.
