Karachi, Aug. 10 : Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who has been appointed as spin consultant for the New Zealand team, has expressed a keenness to work with the Pakistani cricket team.

“The day the Pakistan cricket authorities say ‘Saqlain we need you’, I am available for them. We had the best bowling attack when I played and it is unfortunate that our own people are not exploiting our experience and talent,” The News quoted Saqlain, as saying.

In an interview from Sri Lanka where New Zealand is playing a Test series against the islanders, he said: “Getting an opportunity to work with players from a different cricket culture is an exciting prospect and I would love to see good results.”

The off-spinner is credited with inventing the ‘doosra’ in international cricket and is considered one of Pakistan’s best spinners with 208 Test and 288 one-day wickets before a knee injury ended his international career in 2004.

Saqlain, who is settled in England, will work with the Black Caps over the next 12 months.

“His experience as a spin bowler is considered to be of significant assistance. He will be working with both our bowlers and batsmen, usually for a few days at a time during the team’s international series over that period,” Stephen Hill, the New Zealand Cricket spokesperson said.

In addition to working with the spinners, Saqlain will share his vast knowledge of playing in the sub-continent to the New Zealand batsmen, many of whom have never played in this part of the world.

“He will be working with both our bowlers and batsmen, usually for a few days at a time during the team’s international series over that period,” Hill said. (ANI)