Saqlain Mushtaq appointed Spin Bowling Coach of England

Former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has been appointed as the spin bowling coach of the England national team. The announcement has come days before the commencement of the highly anticipated Ashes. England, who are the current holders of the Ashes, will be hoping to regain the glory this year as well. However, considering the fact that the action will be in Australia, things could work in the favor of the hosts.

The last time England toured Australia for the Ashes was in the 2013-14 season. The Aussies had whitewashed the Poms 5-0 on that tour. Needless to say, the Englishmen would be trying to tick all their boxes correct ahead of Ashes 2017-18. One such department where they would want to edge ahead of their opposition is the spin bowling department.

The board has named a veteran coach, Saqlain Mushtaq, to take over the responsibilities with the hope of getting the best out of the English players. Albeit the likes of Moeen Ali have injury concerns at the moment, there are players in the English team who would benefit from the experience of Mushtaq. He had earlier served the English team in the capacity of the spin bowling consultant.

Unhappy with Pakistan cricket

While the English team sees him as a valuable asset, Saqlain Mushtaq feels disappointed at being ignored by his native country’s cricket board. He had recently lashed out at the PCB for ignoring him and had called himself the most qualified coach in the country.

“I don’t feel disappointed at not being given a job by the Pakistan board. I feel disheartened at the way the system works and what you need to do to get a job. I have worked with the Australian Cricket Centre of Excellence. I have been hired as spin consultant by the New Zealand, Bangladesh and West Indies cricket boards. I am a Level-3 coach in England. I shouldn’t need to do such things to get a job in Pakistan cricket,” Saqlain had quoted.