ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Cricket Board has given cricket great Waqar Younis a second shot as coach of the national team. Waqar was the coach for 18 months until after leading the team to the 2011 World Cup semifinals. He resigned for personal reasons. Last month, the PCB began advertising coaching jobs for the national team, and a three-man committee including chief selector Moin Khan recommended Waqar Tuesday. The PCB says in a statement that he was endorsed by chairman Najam Sethi. Waqar will join the team after his commitments in the Indian Premier League. Harris, Pattinson in doubt for Pakistan Australian pace spearhead Ryan Harris is unlikely to make the trip to the United Arab Emirates in October for the Test series against Pakistan, bowling coach Craig McDermott said Tuesday. The 34-year-old quick underwent surgery on his knee in March after battling through the pain barrier to see his country to a dramatic series victory over South Africa in Cape Town. McDermott said Harris was recovering well but would not be rushed back with a domestic summer against India, the one-day World Cup and a 2015 Ashes series on the agenda. “He's definitely touch and go for Dubai, we've just got to see how his knee goes over the next few months,” he told reporters. There is also serious doubt over fellow fast bowler James Pattinson after he suffered a recurrence of the back problems that have plagued his career. Pattinson, 24, missed most of the Australian domestic summer but recovered to star in Australia's third Test triumph over South Africa in Cape Town in early March. He has not bowled since with reports that he has suffered further stress to his lower back. Australia is due to play two Tests, four One-Day Internationals and a Twenty20 against Pakistan in the UAE from Oct. 4. Lillee quits coaching post Fast bowling mentor Dennis Lillee has parted ways with Cricket Australia after being refused a pay rise, officials said Tuesday. The former great was drafted in to provide guidance and coaching advice to the national side on a part-time basis last year and was instrumental in rejuvenating the career of Mitchell Johnson. He was credited with fixing the quick's technical problems and boosting the confidence of a player who spearheaded Australia's 5-0 Ashes Test whitewash of England and then the 2-1 victory over South Africa. Lillee also worked with Pat Cummins and all-rounder James Faulkner. Cricket Australia said on its website Tuesday that the two had failed to agree terms “after protracted negotiations.” “Unfortunately Dennis Lillee didn't accept Cricket Australia's offer to renew his contract,” a spokesman said. “He is a great of the game and the door will always be open to him if he wants to return and be involved in any way.” In a radio interview in February, Lillee accused Cricket Australia of “quibbling over an increase” to his pay and made it clear he would “take a stance” if they did not meet his terms. — Agencies
