Saqlain lands England spin-bowling consultant job

Former off-spinner will assist Lions, U19 teams as well

KARACHI: Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has signed a two-year contract as England spin bowling consultant.

The inventor of ‘Doosra’ told Express News on Friday that he will assist England Lions and the U19 team as well during his tenure.

“I have signed the contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB),” said Saqlain. “I will be asked to work 100 days per year where I will assist the Lions and the U19 team apart from the national team. I will assist players in camps and will also tour with the national team.”

The 40-year-old, who has worked with England in the past as well and has coached spinners Adil Rashid and off-spinner Moeen Ali, believes he will be able to further polish the skills of the aforementioned bowlers.

“Bowlers like Adil [and Moeen] improved a lot during my last stint with them,” he said. “I hope I will be able to further augment their skill set.”

Saqlain, after retiring from the Pakistan national team, had moved to England. Apart from the English team, Saqlain has also served New Zealand, West Indies and Bangladesh in different capacities.

A few years ago, he shifted to Pakistan but was overlooked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, he was tasked with remodeling off-spinner Saeed Ajmal's action, albeit for a short time.

Meanwhile, England, during their tour to India, hired his services for Test and later the ODIs.

Saqlain has represented Pakistan in 49 Tests and 169 ODIs where he bagged 208 and 288 wickets respectively.