Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has been hired by the England Cricket Board (ECB) as a spin sowing consultant for a period of two years.
Speaking to private television, Saqlain confirmed the development, "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."
Saqlain has previously worked with England, New Zealand, and West Indies as a spin bowling coach in the past.
Saqlain, who invented the 'doosra', is optimistic that England's spin department will perform better under him.
"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 says the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) 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.
