Newly-appointed PCB’s Head of International Player Development, Saqlain Mushtaq, during a recent interaction, has heaped praises on off-spinner Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The two tweakers from India and Australia have been unstoppable in Test cricket. Mushtaq went on to state that there are none better than two in terms of wicket-taking abilities in home conditions.
In 42 matches at home Indian’s premier spinner in Tests, Ashwin has picked up a whopping 242 wickets, including 21 five-wicket hauls, and six ten-wicket hauls in a match. Moreover, Ashwin possesses an unbelievable average of 22.8 and strike-rate of 49.5.
When it comes to Lyon, his figures at home are equally impressive, with 191 scalps in 48 matches, including eight wicket-haul.
“Right now, Nathan Lyon has been giving tremendous performances. He has performed against England, Pakistan, and even against India. As per his performances and strike rate, I think he is one of the best at the moment,” Saqlain told Cricket Pakistan.
“Secondly, there is R Ashwin, who performs really good at home. He performs overseas as well, but there is no other bowler better than him in home conditions. Ravindra Jadeja in Test cricket is also good,” he added.
Further, the pioneer of the doosra also had a few good words for India’s left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav.
“In shorter versions, Kuldeep Yadav from India is also very good. I really like him. He has a huge heart. I have spoken to him a few times. He comes across as really positive and educated, in terms of cricketing knowledge. He’s really good,” the former England spin consultant said.
Under Mushtaq, the likes of Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali blossomed in all formats. The 43-year old commended both Rashid and Bangladesh’s talismanic all-rounder Shakib al Hasan.
“Adil Rashid has also given good performances. Shakib al Hasan is also really intelligent. I have worked with the Bangladesh Cricket Team. Shakib has a strong character, he is really courage, and he uses his brains. He is a clever bowler,” he added.
