Former express quick, Shaun Tait has been named as the bowling coach of Afghanistan. Now in his late thirties, this level two certified coach has signed a five month contract with ACB commencing immediately. Afghanistan is due to play Pakistan in September for a series of three one day internationals. It will be followed by the T20 world cup in October and a one off test match against Australia in November. Shaun’s extension to the contract will probably be decided based on the impact of his presence and performance in the upcoming events.
Tait will look to hunt and groom fast bowlers for Afghanistan
Afghanistan, which is famous for producing a number of mystery spinners, needs to address the vacuum of quality fast bowlers to lend balance and variety to its attack. Tait feels that the rise of Naveen-ul-Haq is an encouraging sign. Consistent performances in leagues like CPL & Blast is an indication of a bowler growing in confidence. He is quite capable of offering a variety of slower balls mostly in the slog overs. The objective of his inclusion is to develop and improve the next generation of fast bowlers. Bowlers like Azmatullah, Farooqi, Naveen & Karim will come into his radar first.
Shaun definitely knows a thing or two about the art & biomechanics of fast bowling. He has already served as a bowling coach for the Renegades in BBL & Bangla Tigers in the T10 league. He will be passing on his experience as a bowler by cautiously reading the situations. Quality in pace is required to compliment the spinners. He will try to polish the art of bowling at the death. The goal of Shaun will be to nurture and polish at least a few potential quicks during his tenure.
Shaun had a brief illustrious career as an express fast bowler
Tait was renowned to touch 100 miles when he was at the peak of his career. He did pick 95 international wickets across all formats and looked to bowl quick all the time. He was the joint second highest wicket taker in the 2007 world cup. However, he had to cut short his international career, owing to serious injuries that he had suffered lately. Lance Klusener wanted someone to assist him in the bowling department and hopefully Shaun will be able to bridge that gap and deliver.