Pakistan's legendary off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has agreed to join English cricket team as a spin-bowling consultant for the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford in July.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) approached the former off-spin maestro with a short-term contract for Pakistan's upcoming tour of England this summer. However, due to the 39-year-old's media commitments, Mushtaq has made himself available for just one Test.
Looking forward to working with @ECB_cricket prayers and wishes required.
— Saqlain Mushtaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) May 28, 2016
The inventor of 'Doosra' — an off-spinner's googly — has previously worked with New Zealand and West Indies cricket teams in a consultant's capacity. Sources claim the primary purpose behind Mushtaq's hiring is England's attempt to decipher leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who decimated English batsmen during a three-Test series in November last year. Yasir, who played in only two Tests in the series, bagged 15 wickets at a staggering economy of 2.60 for which he duly received the player of the series award.
The conditions in England are considered to be seam-conducive assisting the fast bowlers who extract lateral movement off the wicket.
Pakistan's batting is notorious for its inability to tackle pacers on fast wickets and England have all the right ingredients in the shape of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Ben Stokes to topple the visitors' batting lineup. Pakistan will primarily depend on their spin-attack on the tour, but with Mushtaq's appointment the visitors would have to perform in other departments to put up a convincing show on British shores.
Shah made his debut for Pakistan in September 2011 on the tour of Zimbabwe. However, he impressed fans and experts three years later in his Test debut against Australia at Dubai, bagging a 7-for.
England's two spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali are also expected to make the most out of Mushtaq's presence in the English camp. England will tour subcontinent later this year from October till December to take on Bangladesh and India at their homes. Mushtaq's tips are expected to benefit the two spinners during their stay in the subcontinent.
Pakistan will take on England in four Tests, five One-Day Internationals, and a T20 International from July till September.
