Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistan Legend, was appointed by the England and Wales Cricket board to help the English spinners with their bowling. Though England lost two of the first three Test matches against India, Saqlain will continue as their spin consultant for the ODI series against the India. The former right arm off-spinner has reportedly signed a contract to help the likes of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid during the ODI Series.
The ODI series starts on January 15th and spinners will look to consult with Saqlain for his experience and class. England, after a promising start, in the first Test, faded away in the next two as they were outplayed by India, particularly Ravichandran Ashwin who took 15 wickets in the three matches. All the Indian spinners bowled well including Ravindra Jadeja and Jayant Yadav who was also impressive with the bat.
Saqlain has claimed that he has faced absolutely no problems in coaching the English spinners in India amidst the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Saqlain was quoted, “I faced no problems and it was a good experience for me as a bowling coach and consultant.”
Saqlain has helped the English spinners perform well against India, particularly in the first Test and believes that the bowlers would learn more and improve as the series takes shape. He has also hailed the spinners claiming that they are very eager to learn. The English bowling consultant also hopes to give something back to Pakistan cricket as he has never got a chance to coach his own country though he has coached many others.
“It is a matter of pride for me that I am asked to help spinners from different countries but my wish is still to give something back to Pakistan cricket.
I am ready to offer my services to the Pakistan Cricket Board whenever they need me.”
As indicated by Director, academies Mudassar Nazar, Mushtaq could be soon called up by PCB as his services could be required soon in Pakistan.