Saqlain Mushtaq to assist England spinners in India ODIs

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has signed a contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to assist English spinners, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, during the three-match ODI series against India which starts next month.

Saqlain has helped Moeen and Adil, who are the top wicket-takers on the English bowling chart after the first three Tests, during the first two games of the ongoing five-match series against the Virat Kohli-led side.

"The experience of coaching English players in India has been a pleasant one," Saqlain was quoted as saying by Express Tribune. "Adil and Moeen are eager to learn and that is why they are delivering improved performances. I hope they will improve further."

Rated as one of the best off-spinners of modern cricket, Saqlain had also helped Saeed Ajmal in re-modelling his bowling action after the off-spinner was suspended from bowling in international cricket. However, he is yet to work with the Pakistan cricket team in a major role.

The 39-year-old also insisted he wants to give back as much as possible to the cricket of the country.

"I help spinners across the globe but my heart still beats for Pakistan," said Saqlain. "This country has given me a lot and I want to give all of it back. I am ready to offer my services to the Pakistan Cricket Board whenever they need me."

Saqlain, the inventor of 'doosra', was previously roped in by England following their 75-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan in the opening match of the three-match Test series in July this year.

The three-match series between India and England will start from January 15 in Pune, followed by games on January 19 and 22 at Cuttack and Kolkata respectively.