Colombo, Sept 17: Pakistan's Waqar Younis has been retained as captain for the upcoming Test series against Australia, the fast bowler said on Tuesday.

"Yes, I have been told (by the Pakistan Cricket Board)," Waqar told reporters. "They are relying on me. So I am pretty happy with it." Pakistan sacked coach Mudassar Nazar on Tuesday after a string of poor performances but Waqar said he could not understand why Nazar was summoned back to Pakistan midway through the Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka.


"I have got no idea why he was called, what happened between him and the chairman. He has gone now, so we have got to see who they send and when they send him," he said.


South Africa-based coach Richard Pybus is tipped to regain the job he held until last year before leaving Pakistan amid security fears after the September 11 attacks on the United States last year. The series against Australia has been moved to neutral territory due to ongoing security concerns. The first Test, starting on October 3, will be played in Colombo with the following two scheduled for Sharjah.


Pakistan have failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy after a crushing eight-wicket defeat by hosts Sri Lanka in their opening match. Sri Lanka then beat the Netherlands in their second game to reach the last four. Bureau Report