Mushtaq to work with England spinners

Mushtaq Ahmed has been given clearance to coach England’s spinners this summer. After six years playing for Sussex and plenty of domestic success, Mushtaq will bring a wealth of experience to the table and England fans will be desperately hoping he can coax out that missing magic from Monty Panesar.

Certainly, his expertise could and should be greatly felt by England’s slow bowlers. Adil Rashid, the Yorkshire leg-spinning prodigy, could benefit greatly from the wily Pakistani. Rashid has been included in England’s Test squad for the tour of the West Indies, although it isn’t expected that he’ll be pushing for a starting place. Pundits and former players are desperate for Rashid not to be rushed and, although the experience with the squad shouldn’t do him any harm, surely the arrival of Mushtaq as spin coach will do Rashid the greatest benefit.

Rashid is third in line for the premier England spinners role. Panesar currently holds that role and he will most definately be collaring Mushtaq for all the advice he can give. Panesar’s lack of development in the recent year is an ongoing concern for the England management and with Graeme Swann impressing in India combined with Rashid’s continual development, Panesar must be nervously looking over his shoulder.

Let’s hope the Mushy magic will rub off on Monty and the rest of England’s spinning prodigies.

(article for The Corridor (www.cricket.mailliw.com))