Waqar says marriage doubled his luck

Waqar says marriage doubled his luck

Karachi, August 15: Pakistan's toe-crushing pace bowler Waqar Younis believes he is at the peak of his career and thanked his wife for doubling his luck as he prepares to captain his country in Singapore next month.

The fearsome speedster, famous for his searing yorkers, was this week named captain to replace injured keeper Moin Khan for the Singapore tri-nations One-day series with South Africa and New Zealand from September 20 to 27.

But only last year Younis, 29, was struggling to keep his place in the side and he says he owes part of his changed fortunes to his wife, Faryal, who he married in December.

``Yes, it did bring good fortune for me and I am a more mature person now,'' he said.

``Now it's my luck and my wife's luck and with that combination I am getting more luck than when I was single.''

He said his return to the top of the Pakistani team was also thanks to hard work and a couple of strong series which he now sees as turning points in his career.

Younis was on the verge of an unceremonious exit from cricket last year when he was sent as a non-playing 16th member to Sharjah and was brought in for the Australian tour only after rookie bowler Shabbir Ahmed's action was questioned.

But the veteran bowled well in Australia, was declared man of the series at home against Sri Lanka in March and won the player of the tournament award in the Sharjah Cup.

``I never got disappointed but yes I got a bit disheartened cause a bowler of my caliber did not deserve (to be left out of the starting lineup). But my perseverance has paid dividends,'' he said.

``The series against Sri Lanka was the turning point and ever since I am having a productive time. I am now enjoying one of the best phases of my career.''

He blamed his partner in Pakistan's pace attack, former captain Wasim Akram, for not giving him the opportunities he deserved.

``It was sheer frustration as I was not getting my fair chance, but all is past now,'' he said, adding he would always `cherish' the memory of being part of one of the great pace pairings in cricket.

He said captaining his country in Singapore would be an honour which he hoped to repeat as he gained experience.

``It's an honour to lead Pakistan and I intend to lead Pakistan more as and when the opportunity comes,'' Younis said.

He had previously led Pakistan only in one Test and one limited overs international.

``I may be inexperienced but I know the tricks of the trade and will not disappoint my countrymen in Singapore.''