Saqlain Mushtaq eyeing full-time spin coach role with England
SAQLAIN MUSHTAQ has told England they need a full-time spin coach and thrown his hat into the ring to take on the role.
Saqlain Mushtaq wants to become England's full-time spin coach
The former Pakistan off-spinner, who took 208 wickets in 49 Tests, has been working with England on a part-time basis since last summer.
However, the improvement of Adil Rashid during this series against India has shown Saqlain's experience may be of even more value in the long-term.
Rashid, who was poor in the two Tests in Bangladesh last month, has been a bowler transformed since Saqlain joined up with the squad in Mumbai last month.
Saqlain Mushtaq giving England bowler Adil Rashid advice
The Yorkshire leg-spinner was the leading bowler in this series here with 13 wickets before the start of the third Test in Mohali this morning.
England have not had a full-time spin coach since Mushtaq Ahmed, another former Pakistan bowler, left the role in 2014.
Mushtaq took 208 wickets in 49 Tests during his playing days with Pakistan
Asked if he would like the role on a permanent basis, the 39-year-old said: "I would love to. I'm loving the support staff and everyone, it is like a family. I would love to keep going and be involved in the future.
"It is not just in the sub-continent, but when you go abroad on the fourth and fifth day of the Test match the spinners are the main bowlers. It is very important to have a full-time spin coach. I would love to do it."