India's series win in Australia had lot to do with Smith, Warner's absence: Waqar Younis

Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis feels that India's Test series victory in Australia back in 2018 could be largely attributed to the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner from a team that was already reeling due to the after effects of ball-tampering controversy.

The legendary fast bowler, who is also the bowling coach of Pakistan team was speaking in context of his country not being able to wn even one Test match since 1995.

"I am not trying to take away any credit from India, they played well and they are a very good side. But yes at same time when they won in Australia, there is no doubt that Australian cricket was going through a turmoil and there were problems in their dressing room. And they were without Steve Smith and David Warner," Waqar said during a video conference.

Waqar himself is not sure as to what has been the reason behind Pakistan's failure Down Under.

"I really don't know why we have not won Tests their all these years. At times, we went there with top bowling attacks yet lost. To me it was a case of when the bowling worked the batting didn't put up enough runs or when the batters put up enough runs the bowlers didn't come through," Waqar said.

For example the tour of of 1999, when the bowling attack had Waqar himself, the iconic Wasim Akram, fiery Shoaib Akhtar, along with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and wily Saqlain Mushtaq but yet they lost 0-3.

But at same time he pointed out that in Tests, India had also generally struggled in Australia until 2018.

"You have to keep in mind that Australia is never an easy place to tour for any side. Look at the recent tour by New Zealand they are a top side and they lost badly. England have lost Ashes in Australia in a one-sided series."
"Misbah-ul-Haq, myself and our support staff we have all been planning for the England team we are not even thinking about the World T20 later in the year. Traditionally, we have always done well in England and that is why the tour is important for us in way of building our test team."
"No, I don't think that is right because they are examples of big players becoming successful coaches for example Justin Langer, Gary Kirsten, Andy Flower etc."