England spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes that leg-spin protege Adil Rashid could go all the way to the top of international cricket.
Spin coach says young protege could go all the way
England spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes that leg-spin protege Adil Rashid has the potential to go all the way to the top of international cricket.
Mushtaq began his ten-day stint with the Test players in St Kitts on Friday as they prepare for their four-match series against the West Indies.
Although he is unlikely to wrest the spinner's berth from Monty Panesar just yet, Mushtaq said that Rashid, who claimed six wickets on his first-class debut against Warwickshire in 2006, had a big future ahead of him.
"He is a proper package," said Mushtaq. "When you talk about utility, he is a utility cricketer. I hope he can stay well and serve England big time.
"Potentially, he is very talented in all the aspects of the game. He is grooming himself, getting bigger and bigger in the game.
"And his performances in county cricket - he got 62 wickets last year - are very good because it is not easy in your second or third season, especially in Division One."
Experience
The pair have worked together before, when Mushtaq was engaged by the England and Wales Cricket Board for one-on-one sessions during his time at Sussex.
The 38-year-old, who claimed 185 wickets in 52 Test appearances, added that experience would be key for Rashid, who is 18 years his junior.
"Leg-spin is obviously my own game, so I enjoy working with him," he added.
"But as I always say, 'you can buy a bed but you can't buy sleep'. Experience is important for all spinners."
England kick-off their tour with a couple of warm-up encounters at Warner Park, beginning with an unofficial three-day match against St Kitts & Nevis XI starting Sunday.
They then play a first-class fixture against West Indies A at the same ground before the first Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica, starts on February 4.
Left-armer Monty Panesar will compete with off-spinner Graeme Swann for a place in the first Test side.
