Abdur Rehman named Pakistan spin-bowling coach ahead of WI Tests
Published - 15 Jan 2025, 10:46 AM | Updated - 15 Jan 2025, 10:53 AM
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced changes to the national team’s coaching staff ahead of the two-match Test series against the West Indies. Former left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman has been appointed as the spin bowling coach, and his experience as a Test cricketer is expected to strengthen the team.
Abdur Rehman has joined the Pakistan squad in Multan as the spin bowling coach. His first assignment will be the two-match home Test series against the West Indies, which will be played from January 17 to 29 in Multan. The team, led by Shan Masood, will play their final series of the ICC WTC 2023-25 cycle.
Abdur Rehman Appointed As Pakistan Spin Bowling Coach - Report
Abdur Rehman will focus on improving the performance of key spinners Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed during the upcoming Test series against the West Indies. The national selection committee has named a 15-member squad for the red-ball series, which includes these three spinners.
Rehman previously worked with the Pakistan women's team. The former left-arm spinner will now gain his first experience coaching the Pakistan men's cricket team. Rehman had a successful partnership with Saeed Ajmal in 2011-12, which contributed to Pakistan's clean sweep over England in the UAE.
Abdur Rehman Represented Pakistan From 2006 to 2014
Abdur Rehman represented Pakistan in 22 Tests, 31 ODIs, and 8 T20Is between 2006 and 2014. The 44-year-old, hailing from Sialkot, took 140 wickets across formats in his international career. The selectors moved beyond him towards the end of 2014, and he retired from international cricket in October 2018.
Pakistan recently lost their Test series in South Africa. Pakistan scored 211 runs in the first innings of the series opener, with South Africa responding with 301 runs. Pakistan set a target of 148 for the final innings. They had a strong bowling effort that reduced South Africa to 99/8, but the hosts won by two wickets.
In the second Test, South Africa dominated by scoring 615 runs in their first innings, while Pakistan was dismissed for 194. Pakistan was forced to follow on, and they fought back with 478 runs in their second innings. South Africa comfortably chased down the target of 58 runs to win by 10 wickets.
Team Management Plans to Create Spin-Friendly Pitches vs West Indies
For the series, the team management plans to create spin-friendly pitches to take advantage of home conditions. Head curator Tony Hemming has introduced the "greenhouse concept," which involves covering the pitch and installing heaters on both sides of the covers to retain heat and prevent moisture.
Hemming’s new pitch preparation method is intended to keep the pitch dry and firm, ensuring consistent conditions that favor spinners by preventing moisture loss. Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan played a crucial role with the ball in the last home series, where Pakistan secured a 2-1 win after losing the first Test.
Two-Match Test Series Schedule:
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | January 17-21 | Multan Cricket Stadium |
| Second Test | January 25-29 | Multan Cricket Stadium |
