Mushtaq to land England job

Spinner poised to sign coaching contract with ECB

Last updated: 4th October 2008

Mushtaq to land England job

Mushtaq: Vast experience

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Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed says he is on the verge of signing a contract with England to become their spin coach in 2009.

The 38-year-old has been approached by coach Peter Moores - with whom he struck up a successful relationship at Sussex - to develop England's options in the slow bowling department.

Mushtaq, who experienced coaching as an assistant to Bob Woolmer for Pakistan, is also considering a post with his former county and could initially take on both roles on a part-time basis.

"Peter Moores asked me if I can spare some time during the summer (in 2009) or winter to work with the young England spinners and also the main spinners (in the senior team)," he said.

"My agent is doing the deal with the (England and Wales Cricket Board), so until anything is officially agreed I don't know when I will be starting or what I will be doing.

"But Peter suggested there might be an opportunity for me to work with their academy players in India after I complete my ICL commitments in November.

"I would be happy to work with players across the board, from the senior England team to youth sides or county second teams."

Good prospects

Mushtaq's vast experience of county cricket gives him a unique insight into the talent that is available to Moores, and he believes there is a large pool of spinners to tap into.

"I believe there are more opportunities for spin-bowling talent in England than in Asia, which may surprise people, but it is then a matter of how you nurture and develop that talent," he added.

"I saw a very good prospect at Hampshire (Liam Dawson), there is Adil Rashid at Yorkshire. Of course there's Monty (Panesar), and I know there are plenty of other spinners out there in county second teams.

"It is about making an average talent into a good talent, or a good talent into a great talent. First, they have to spin the ball - that is the basic requirement - then other things like aggression, having the confidence and variety comes after.

"Monty has proved himself a match winner who has bowled beautifully and who does a great job for England. But there is always room for improvement. If he takes five wickets I would ask, 'Why not seven?'"