'Australia need a bowling coach' - Waqar

Waqar Younis, the former Pakistan captain and fast bowler, says the Australian team's fortunes could take a nosedive in the future if they don't consider the possibility of hiring a specialist fast bowling coach.

Waqar, who now lives in Sydney, told ABC Sport: "Definitely Australians are going to struggle, by looking at what they've done in the Ashes, after Glenn McGrath goes. The Australian board has got to think very quickly and very hard if they can bring some of their old fast bowlers to come and coach the youngsters, because I see a lot of problems in the youngsters."

Since Australia lost the Ashes this summer, and particularly in light of the failure of most of their bowlers apart from McGrath and Shane Warne, calls for specialist coaches in the Australian team have become louder. McGrath, as well as Jason Gillespie, has urged Cricket Australia to follow the lead of England, who have employed the former Tasmania fast bowler Troy Cooley for the past two years.

Waqar, who ended his career with 373 wickets in 87 Tests, said Australia would have to take similar initiative to ensure the future development of its young fast bowlers. "I think Brett Lee is probably one of the guys who can learn a bit more," he said. "He's doing well, but there's something missing."

Waqar was on the verge of assuming the position of bowling coach for Pakistan earlier this year. However, disagreements over the length of his tenure - Waqar wanted a permanent position while the Pakistan board was willing to offer it only on a series-by-series basis - meant he was never appointed.