London, Jan. 31: The England Cricket Board (ECB) has extended Mushtaq Ahmad's tenure as England's spin-bowling coach upto the forthcoming Test series in the West Indies.

The ECB said that the players in the national team are really happy with Ahmad and his coaching abilities, as he has helped in tremendously improving players like Monty Panesar grow on the international arena.

"He's created a really good impression with the spin bowlers. His experience and skill at international level have led us to the conclusion that he would be valuable to have around for a longer period," The Daily Times quoted the ECB's managing director Hugh Morris, as saying.

Earlier, Ahmad was supposed to spend only the ten-day warm-up period in St Kitts.

The Carribean tour will be the first official tour of Ahmad as England's spin bowling coach.

The former Pakistan leggie, Mushtaq Ahmed is considered as the main force behind nurturing England's current premier spin bowler Monty Panesar.

Panesar said that he was eagerly looking forward to the tour and the newly appointed coach's invaluable suggestions.

"It's been great having Mushtaq with us and I've really enjoyed both his company and the way he's been coaching us," he said. (ANI)