Daily Times

KARACHI: England spinners were instrumental in the team’s ODI series triumph over India while Adil Rashid, in particular, impressed one and all with his magical delivery to dismiss Indian captain Virat Kohli. Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq was delighted with the delivery which Rashid bowled to dismiss Kohli in the third ODI, which is also termed by the English media as the new ‘ball of the century.’ “It was magical and even a batsman of Kohli’s caliber was bamboozled by the delivery,” Saqlain said. “Such deliveries are rare and we only get to see them once in a very long time.” Saqlain – who is currently working as a bowling consultant for England team – is also pleased to see English spinners learning from his experience.

“The spinners played a major role in the team’s victory,” he said. “I’m happy to see that the spinners are improving under my guidance.” Wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni came under fire during the series for his slow batting but Saqlain believed that English spinners did not allow the former Indian captain to free his arms and dominate with the bat. “Both the English spinners [Moeen and Rashid] bowled really well which did not allow Dhoni to express himself in an aggressive manner,” he said. Saqlain – who will be part of the English coaching staff for the first three Tests against India – believes that Rashid should continue playing red-ball cricket. “Rashid no longer plays the longer version of the game but I firmly believe that he should continue playing Test match cricket,” he said.

The 41-year-old also spoke highly of young English spinners including Dominic Bess – who played two Test against Pakistan recently – and also slow left-arm orthodox spinner Jack Leach. “Bess is a talented spinner while Leach can also make a name for himself in the future,” he said. The first Test of the five-match series between England and India will begin from August 1 at Birmingham.

Published in Daily Times, July 22^nd 2018.