Waqar, who formed a lethal new-ball pairing with Wasim Akram in the 1990s, has signed a one-year contract after he finally settled terms with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"We have appointed Waqar as bowling coach for a period of one year and hope that he helps the bowlers to lift their performances," board chairman Shaharyar Khan told reporters.

Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat in the one-day series against India last month despite winning the Test series, a loss which raised questions over their bowling and fielding.

Waqar, who took 373 wickets in 87 Tests for Pakistan during an illustrious career which ended in March 2004, said he would do his best to lift the bowlers' performances.

"It's a great honour to be bowling coach of your country's team and I see it as a great responsibility," Waqar told AFP.

"It's also a great honour to work with a reputed coach like Bob Woolmer and I will do my best to transfer my knowledge of the game to youngsters."

Waqar said his first task would be to improve fitness.

"What I have noticed is that our bowlers lacked fitness which reduced their effectiveness in recent series, so I will sit down with the physiotherapist and trainer to solve this problem."

Pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar is recuperating after having surgery on both his knees in Australia while another quick, Umer Gul, is recovering from a back injury sustained during the India series.

Waqar said Pakistan has enormous fast bowling talent.

"We have a number of talented fast bowlers but some of them like Mohammad Sami have not performed up to their potential and I will help them turn their potential into performances."

Pakistan are also looking for a foreign fielding coach, who may be appointed shortly, officials said.

Waqar refused a short-term contract after he was offered the responsibility for one series last year.

Another former batting great Zaheer Abbas has been appointed manager of the team for Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka starting next week, Khan said.

"Both Waqar and Abbas will not interfere in coach Bob Woolmer's affairs as he remains the head coach of the team," Khan added.

Pakistan's English coach Woolmer reportedly opposed the idea of having bowling and fielding coaches, suggesting it would reduce his own role.

Pakistan fly to Colombo on March 12 where they will play three one-day internationals and two Tests. The first one-dayer will be in Colombo on March 17.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)