KARACHI, (Reuters) – Former Pakistan test player Mushtaq Ahmed will stay on as England’s spin bowling consultant despite rejecting an offer to make it a permanent role.
“Initially I had a short contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board and they then offered me a full-time position,” Mushtaq told Reuters in an interview yesterday.
“It is really nice of them to offer me a full-time position but it is not possible for me to accept as it involves a lot of travelling and because of family commitments.”
Mushtaq worked with England when they regained the Ashes from Australia last month and will rejoin the squad for the test and one-day tour of South Africa which starts in November.
The 39-year-old, who took 185 wickets in 52 tests and claimed 161 victims in 144 one-day internationals, said England were strong in the spin department.
“You have a talented leg-spinning all-rounder like Adil Rashid, Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann playing for England,” he said.
“There are also a couple of spinners in county cricket who are ready for international cricket. I don’t see this much spin depth and talent in any other country.”
Mushtaq predicted England and Pakistan would reach next week’s Champions Trophy final in South Africa.
“I see a Pakistan v England final because these two sides are facing few of the injury problems that have hit the other teams,” he said.
