Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq will link up with England’s coaching staff as a consultant to their spin bowlers, with a probable 10-days spell to incorporate the second Test against Pakistan, at Old Trafford, a ground that usually help spinners.
Although Saqlain Mushtaq hopes to be England’s secret weapon at Old Trafford but his most important task will be to improve Moeen Ali’s armoury.
Saqlain took 208 wickets for Pakistan in 49 Tests from 1995-2004. He also brought the term ‘doosra’ (the offspinner’s delivery that turns away from the right-handed batsman) into ordinary parlance and used it to bewitch batsmen at home and abroad.
The temporary contract with the former Pakistan off-spinner was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
“Pakistan has just the one left-hander in their top order, with the ball spinning into the right-handers,” said English cricket team coach Trevor Bayliss , who will have the former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq joining his coaching staff at Old Trafford for a brief consultancy role.
“Getting the ball spinning away from the bat might make it a little more difficult so I’m sure that will be discussed.”
It is crucial for England that Saqlain’s short spell bears fruit, not only in analysing Pakistan’s strengths and weaknesses but in helping Moeen play a key bowling role once again.
