LONDON – Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has revealed that he has been hired by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as a spin-bowling consultant on a two-year deal.
Speaking to media persons, Saqlain said, “ECB has hired my services for 2 years and I have to work 100 days a year with them. My main duty will be with the England Cricket Team but I will also work with young and rising spinners in English cricket.”
Now, the 40-year-old, who claimed almost 500 wickets for Pakistan in Tests and one-day internationals, was the inventor of ‘Doosra’, and worked with five different countries including Bangladesh, England and New Zealand, and two counties (Middlesex and Somerset). He also helped Saeed Ajmal clear his bowling action.
Saqlain spoke quite highly of England’s spin duo Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. “Both Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali are very talented and are already making a mark in international cricket. They performed well in England’s tour of India and I am hopeful that I will be able to guide them to more success.”
Saqlain claimed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had approached him just once for a coaching role more than a year ago, however there was no follow up and no coaching stint materialised. “If people ask why Saqlain has not worked with the PCB yet, then they should redirect their questions to the PCB.”
The former off-spinner added that the series between Pakistan and West Indies will be an interesting one, and that the Pakistani Test team seemed more balanced.
“In the upcoming test series Pakistan’s chances are good because as a team they are balanced and well settled. Spinners’ roles will be key and both Yashir Shah and West Indies spinner Bihso will be crucial,” he concluded.-Online
