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Imran on a new wicket

Karachi May 29 . Pakistan cricket legend Imran Khan said on Wednesday he would coach young blood to lift national cricket and urged the country to follow Australia's shining example.

``After Pakistan's disappointing performance in the World Cup, a lot of my friends asked me to help Pakistan cricket and despite my commitments in politics I have agreed to help with coaching,'' Khan said speaking at a launch of regional cricket clinics.

``I want to pay back what this country has given me,'' said Imran, a Pakistani MP who leads the Movement for Justice party.

Pakistan, one of the pre-tournament favourite, failed to go beyond the first round in the World Cup in southern Africa in February-March this year, which was won by Australia.

In a massive overhaul, Pakistan dumped eight senior players — including captain Waqar Younis, his long-time pace partner Wasim Akram, Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul Haq.

``Pakistan has a lot of talent but we need to harness that talent like they do in Australia, which has enabled them to rule the cricket world,'' said Imran, whose 362 wickets in 88 Tests and 182 in 175 one-dayers made him a leading fast bowler in the 70s and 80s.

``A player in Australia is ready for international cricket once he comes out of their academies and first class competitions, which is not there in our part of the world,'' said the all-rounder who led Pakistan to its only World Cup title in Australia in 1992.

The coaching clinics, conducted under the auspices of the Pakistan Cricket Board and soft drinks giant Pepsi, will be held at more than a dozen venues.

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