Mushtaq campaigns on producing quality spinners

Newly-appointed spin consultant to groom players for the long run.

KARACHI:

Former cricketer and Pakistan’s new spin consultant, Mushtaq Ahmed, has outlined his plan to groom quality spinners who can serve the national team for at least five to 10 years.

Mushtaq represented Pakistan in 52 Tests, claiming 185 wickets and accumulated 161 scalps in 144 ODIs. He had a stellar first-class career record of 1,407 wickets from 309 matches, having played first-class cricket in both Pakistan and England.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi appointed him on a two-year contract after receiving recommendations from the coach-selection committee.

“I’m really happy to be appointed the spin consultant for Pakistan because I want to give something back to my country through coaching,” Mushtaq told The Express Tribune.

“Apart from looking after the national team, my plan is to groom spinners from the domestic circuit who can play for Pakistan for five to 10 years.

“It’s important that we don’t leave a big gap when Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi decide to quit cricket in the future.”

He got the final vote of confidence after a close fight for the position of spin consultant with fellow Saqlain Mushtaq as chief coach Waqar Younis too agreed with the recommendation.

‘Tactical changes could still make bowlers a threat’

The T20 format and the rule of having five fielders inside the circle in one-dayers have made life difficult for bowlers, but Mushtaq believes tactical changes could still help them remain a threat.

“Cricket has become difficult with the T20 format and change in rules in one-day cricket, but I believe we can still tackle batsmen by making tactical changes to minimise their scoring opportunities and allow bowlers to remain a threat,” he said.

“Afridi and Ajmal are already top players in international cricket, but there are things in my mind which I feel could help them improve further.”

Current team management is promising: Mushtaq

According to the 43-year-old, the current setup shows great strength with the likes of Moin Khan, himself and Waqar Younis, and the combination could take Pakistan to new heights with their experience and knowledge.

“Moin is the chief selector/manager while we have Waqar as the head coach. Both of them have a fighting attitude which will certainly have a positive impact on the team. The PCB has formed a very good team management and hopefully things will improve with time.”

‘England was a beautiful chapter’

Reflecting on his time in England as a player and coach, he said it remains a beautiful and memorable phase of his life.

“The time I spent in England is certainly a beautiful chapter in my life because I got a lot of respect from fans, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the players,” he stated.

“Turning Graeme Swann into a world-class spinner is a very proud achievement for me because he did not have varieties in his style such as the doosra.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2014.

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