Saqlain Mushtaq to continue as England’s spin consultant till the end of Ashes

07/17/2019

Saqlain Mushtaq, who was part of the World Cup winning England’s support staff, is set to extend his stay as spin consultant in the team for another 55 days which will cover the entire Ashes series. Mushtaq has never been approached by his home country, Pakistan, for a major coaching role.

It seems as though wherever the former off-spinner takes up a role, some success is always a result. West Indies had named Mushtaq as their spin consultant in 2016, and they went onto lift the T20 World Cup in India. Now, while being part of England’s backroom staff in a similar role, England have lifted the ultimate prize itself, the World Cup. Mushtaq was thrilled to see his boys succeed.

“It was great to see England winning the World Cup after such a pulsating final. The victory can be put down to great handling by the head coach, Trevor Bayliss, and great camaraderie among the players,” Saqlain told PTI.

As a result of the team’s success, the board has handed him an extension in the role until the end of the upcoming Ashes series. Mushtaq puts the hosts’ success down to the great bond between each member in the squad.

“The English players are very close to each other and they are constantly supporting each other and helping each other out even the guys who are not in the playing eleven on a given match day,” he said.

However, the 42-year-old, has never been engaged by the Pakistan Cricket Board to work on the support staff of the Pakistan team. Mushtaq was assigned a minor role to help with Saeed Ajmal’s bowling action prior to the 2015 World Cup, but nothing further. But, the former player is open to any role that comes up from his home country.

“I am always available to work for the Pakistan team and players whenever the Pakistan board approaches me,” Saqlain said.

The legendary spinner bagged a total of 496 Test and one-day wickets for his country.