– Mid-Day

Sunrisers Hyderabads bowling coach Waqar Younis on what makes South African Dale  the finest fast bowler in the world

While Dale Steyn is currently the most sought-after fast bowler in world cricket, Pakistan’s Waqar Younis, who is the South African’s bowling coach at Sunrisers Hyderabad is an established master of fast bowling.

Steyn is a character
Dale Steyn is a gem of a bowler; is a character as well. There is no doubt that he is a world-beater when it comes to fast bowling. He is a smart fellow, quite fit and hungry for success. I enjoy his company. He is a thinker, always looking to improve. Steyn, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Darren Sammy — who is another character… they are all good.

Late swing troubles batsmen
Steyn is a workaholic. He enjoys bowling which is the key and works really hard on his fitness. He is at the peak of his game and has set the tone for us this season. His bowling is not only about pace. The late swing that he generates at that pace is what troubles the batsmen. He varies his pace very well.

Steyn doesn’t need tips
I am not going to share any of those tips in public (laughs). But frankly speaking, he doesn’t need any tips. His hunger is the most important thing (behind his success).

Pace is not everything
Fast bowlers must ensure they keep bowling. It is important to strengthen your body. You don’t have to go mad over attaining express pace. You can be quite effective at a slower pace as well. Like Glenn McGrath. Courtney Walsh wasn’t very quick either, but he took a lot of wickets. It is a mixture where you have to be smart at times. A lot depends on the approach as well. Some like to have that aggression and Styen has both aggression and swing.

Fast bowling is…
… an art which requires a lot of hard work. It is a sight as well.

Indian bowlers are fine
They have got variation and variety. Ishant has pace, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can swing the ball well. Overall, there is a good blend. I am sure they will do well in English conditions during the Champions Trophy