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Jude Bellingham “could be a Real Madrid player for life”, says Chris Waddle, with the England international being likened to Paul Gascoigne.

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Midfielder joined Blancos in summer of 2023Working on deal until 2029Setting his sights on major silverware in 2024WHAT HAPPENED?

At just 20 years of age, Bellingham has already starred for Borussia Dortmund and Real – breaking records once posted by Cristiano Ronaldo in Spain – and has seen his No.22 shirt retired at first club Birmingham City. He is a Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award winner and is proving that he can become another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu.

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Ex-England star Waddle believes La Liga giants in the Spanish capital will already be planning contract extension talks, telling of Bellingham’s present and future: “Real Madrid, the way he's playing, will want to extend that probably after three years or four years. So he could be a Real Madrid player for life, which is not a bad thing. But the good thing with Jude Bellingham is he went to Germany first and he learned a lot in Germany. You have to grow up, you have to learn the language – it's a different culture, it's different football. He seems a very level-headed guy who always works hard. His goals sometimes, you know, people score goals and that helps your performances and gives you confidence and Bellingham just seems to score nearly every week now for Real Madrid. So that's all great for Real Madrid but it's also great for England. I know he missed the last game through injury for England, but he's going to be key at a young age; he’s still a key figure going into it.”

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England have booked their tickets to next summer’s European Championship in Germany, with Waddle expecting Bellingham to make a Gazza-esque impact at that tournament alongside world-class Three Lions captain Harry Kane. Waddle, who made the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup with Gascoigne as a talismanic team-mate, added: “You see where Gazza probably came into the World Cup in 1990 as an unknown type. What would happen, you know, what would happen with Paul? Would he shine in the tournament? Would he not get noticed Gazza took it on, he just went into it and thought I'm meant to be here, look out, and we all saw the results in 1990 when I was there with Gazza, the performances. Jude Bellingham could go into this tournament and come out as the star player. But teams will do their homework and if you actually look at England, if you stop probably Kane and Bellingham from playing and getting chances, there's not many people to score goals. I know [Phil] Foden chips in with the odd one and [Bukayo] Saka, but these two will be under the spotlight and they'll be under scrutiny by other teams. They'll look at how England play and I think Harry Kane will be marked closely as with Jude Bellingham. So this is another step he's got to come through, especially Bellingham. He's got to go to the tournament, expectations are massive for the lad. When Gazza won in the tournament when I played with him there were no expectations. So we'll see what happens there but if they can keep that form up all season, that is a massive incentive going in there and other teams will be looking at that and they'll be a bit scared.”

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Bellingham has hit 15 goals for Real through 17 appearances in all competitions, but he is nursing a shoulder problem at present – with it possible that he will require surgery at some stage as England count down the days to another shot at continental glory in 2024.

An accomplished century by Sean Ervine has given Hampshire a scent of their first victory of the season. The Zimbabwean allrounder struck a near-flawless 102 to first steer his side out of trouble and then turn the pressure on to the home team.

Press Association21-Apr-2015
ScorecardMichael Carberry set up Hampshire’s second innings•Getty ImagesAn accomplished century by Sean Ervine has given Hampshire a scent of their first victory of the season, against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. The Zimbabwean allrounder struck a near-flawless 102, his 17th first-class century, to first steer his side out of trouble and then turn the pressure on to the home team.Hampshire were all out for 339 in their second innings, leaving Warwickshire a target of 379, which would be the biggest score of the match, in a day and 11 overs. The Bears negotiated those 11 overs without loss and will begin the last day with all results remain possible on a pitch which is flattening out, but on which wickets have fallen in flurries.The third day followed the pattern of an enthralling tussle which has ebbed and flowed throughout. In the morning, the home side were well on top after Hampshire slumped to 108 for 5, only 147 ahead. Rikki Clarke removed Liam Dawson and James Vince with successive balls and Jeetan Patel had Will Smith stumped and Adam Wheater brilliantly caught at slip by Clarke when the ball looped up off an inside-edged reverse-sweep.Hampshire were in trouble but Michael Carberry stayed firm and found an equally resilient partner in Ervine. Batting positively against Patel, they each hit the New Zealander for six and added 86 in 29 overs before Carberry, having completed his tenth score of 50-plus against Warwickshire in first-class cricket, played on to Clarke for 81.Ervine continued to play with power and purpose and found further productive partners in Gareth Berg and Danny Briggs with whom he added 60 and 61. Berg struck a forceful 36 before slicing Keith Barker’s first ball after tea to William Porterfield at gully. Briggs added a breezy 33 to his first-innings 48 before skying Chris Wright to mid-off.Ervine perished next ball to a fine tumbling catch by Tim Ambrose, but even then Hampshire’s last pair Andre Adams and James Tomlinson added 24 – a frustrating little stand for Warwickshire which might just have lifted the target out of their reach.Warwickshire’s openers weathered a testing burst from Tomlinson to survive intact and trim the target by 47, Ian Westwood moving sweetly to 37 from 39 balls, and send a fine match into its final day wide open.Rikki Clarke was pleased with his early-season rhythm with the ball as his 3 for 63 pegged Hampshire back at Edgbaston. But the Warwickshire allrounder knows his team will have to bat well tomorrow to win the game.”It’s evenly poised,” he said. “We will have to bat well. It will be a tough chase, but Division One cricket is tough. It is good that we came through unscathed tonight and now we have just got to bat well tomorrow and get the job done.”Batting has been tricky at times but less so at others on a slowish pitch. The new ball has a bit of carry but after about 25 overs it becomes quite a difficult wicket to get people out on. There are a few little cracks there that may produce a bit of a problem but we just have to bat well on it.”Clarke was the pick of the Warwickshire attack, dismissing Hampshire’s top three – Liam Dawson and James Vince with successive balls and then Michael Carberry. “I felt in both innings that I bowled well and on a different day could bowl a lot worse and get more wickets,” he said. “I am happy with how it is coming out at the minute and hopefully that rhythm and consistency will stick with me throughout the season.”

Marcus Trescothick has hailed the “life saving” impact of the PCA Benevolent Fund as he prepares to undertake a marathon bike ride to raise money for the charity

George Dobell15-Oct-2013Marcus Trescothick has hailed the “life saving” impact of the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) Benevolent Fund as he prepares to undertake a marathon bike ride to raise money for the charity.The fund set up by the players’ union aims to help cricketers and their dependants deal with times of hardship or upheaval and was a substantial help to Trescothick when he was in the grip of depression.”I need to give something back,” Trescothick told ESPNcricinfo. “I’ve had use of the benevolent fund. The PCA helped me massively when I didn’t know where to turn and for that I will always be grateful. If there is anything I can do to repay that, by putting a name to an event or creating awareness, I’m only too happy to try.”When I came back from India in 2006, I was struggling. I needed help and it was the PCA who were there for me.”I called Richard Bevan, who was the PCA chief executive at the time, when I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. He said ‘give me an hour’ and, within two hours, I had a knock on the door and there was a psychologist there to help me. That sort of instant service was an incredible help and whatever happens in the future, I’d like to continue my affiliation with the fund so I give something back.”Trescothick is one of a host of cricketers taking part in the Big Bike Ride to raise money for the PCA Benevolent Fund and the Tom Maynard Trust. The group of 62 riders, which includes Andrew Flintoff, Darren Gough, Jos Buttler, Darren Maddy, Alan Mullally and Matthew Maynard, will cycle from Durham to London over five days from October 18. They will travel 441 miles and hope to raise £200,000.”I’m not the only one who has benefited. Far from it. The PCA has had a life saving impact on some players who have fallen into hard times and it’s vital we continue to grow it so we can deal with the issues that affect the next generation of players. I’m not sure people really appreciate just how important it is.”Trescothick to play on as Somerset captain

Marcus Trescothick has confirmed his decision not to retire ahead of the 2014 season and insisted he expects to remain as Somerset captain.
While he endured a tough year by his standards in 2013 – he failed to score a first-class century during the season for the first time since 1998 – his enthusiasm remains undimmed.
“I’ll definitely be playing in 2014,” he told ESPNcricinfo, “and, yes, I expect to be captain. I love doing the job and nothing is going to change. I don’t think anything will be different.”
Trescothick also revealed that, while other clubs have attempted to lure him from Taunton, he has “never seriously considered leaving”.
“People have posed the question. But I’ve never seriously considered leaving Somerset. I love my club and my big challenge is to lead it to the County Championship title for the first time.”

Trescothick and co. will also be raising funds for the Tom Maynard Trust, which aims to help disadvantaged young sportsmen. Trescothick knows the Maynard family well. On his ODI debut he batted alongside Matthew Maynard and then, a few years later, the pair worked together during the 2005 Ashes when Maynard was part of the England coaching team and Trescothick’s positive batting set the platform for England’s approach in the series.”Yes, I played with Matt and got to know Tom as he was growing up,” Trescothick said. “He was a very popular lad. You only have to look at all the events people are organising in his memory to see the impact he had on so many lives. He was a fun-loving bloke; a really great character.”He used to nick my bats. We were both with Gunn and Moore at the time but he felt that my bats were a bit better than his, so he would always ask for a couple.”His funeral was packed. Everyone in cricket was there. His death was a tragedy that touched everyone and one of those moments when you realised how close the cricket family is and how people support each other in times like that.”While some of the better-known participants will complete a leg or two of the journey, Trescothick is committed for all five days. He expects it to be physically gruelling: “It’s not meant to be easy. Hopefully the idea of how far we’re going and how tough it will be will inspire people to give.”But even though I know it will be hard work, I’m expecting it to be great fun. There will be great camaraderie between the riders and if people want to come and say hi at each stop, that would be great. We’re doing it for two great causes and I’m sure that, even when we’re struggling up a hill in the rain, that will keep us going.”You can follow the Big Bike Ride route here and make a donation here

Scotland have announced their squads for the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers in Dubai and fixtures in the Intercontinental Cup and World Cricket League Championship

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Feb-2012Scotland squad for World Twenty20 qualifiers

Gordon Drummond (capt), Preston Mommsen, Fraser Watts, Ryan Flannigan, Josh Davey, Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Craig Wallace (wk), Matthew Parker, Kyle Coetzer, Gordon Goudie, Jan Stander, Majid Haq, Safyaan Sharif

Scotland have announced their squads for the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers in Dubai and fixtures in the Intercontinental Cup and World Cricket League Championship. The players are set to depart from Glasgow for the UAE on Friday, ahead of a seven-week programme.The team’s star batsman Kyle Coetzer will miss the three-day Intercontinental Cup match against UAE in Sharjah on February 16-19, due to his Bangladesh Premier League commitments. The batsmen Ewan Chalmers, 22, and Freddie Coleman, 20, along with 23-year-old bowler Alasdair Evans will get chances to impress.Chalmers, Coleman, Evans and Steve Smith will then leave the squad, with Josh Davey, Fraser Watts, Calvin Burnett, Jan Stander and Matthew Parker taking their places for a two-week training camp in Sri Lanka. Whilst there, Scotland will play a mixture of 50- and 20-over cricket against local sides. They will return to Sharjah on March 5, with Coetzer joining the squad for a pair of one-day fixtures against UAE in the World Cricket League Championship and the World Twenty20 qualifiers, in which Scotland will play at least seven games.”This will be a challenging tour for the squad, which will incorporate all three forms of the game,” head coach Peter Steindl said. “Our preparations have gone well to date and we are looking to transfer this work quickly when we arrive in Sharjah on Saturday.”Intercontinental Cup squad Gordon Drummond (capt), Preston Mommsen, Alasdair Evans, Ryan Flannigan, Simon Smith (wk), Ewan Chalmers, Richie Berrington, Freddie Coleman, Calum MacLeod, Craig Wallace, Gordon Goudie, Safyaan Sharif, Majid HaqICC World Cricket League ChampionshipGordon Drummond (capt), Preston Mommsen Fraser Watts, Ryan Flannigan, Josh Davey , Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Craig Wallace (wk), Matthew Parker, Calvin Burnett, Kyle Coetzer, Gordon Goudie, Jan Stander, Majid Haq, Safyaan Sharif

Dale Steyn, the South Africa fast bowler, said his side had planned to target Australia’s captain Michael Clarke in bowler-friendly conditions in Cape Town

Firdose Moonda at Newlands09-Nov-2011Dale Steyn, the South Africa fast bowler, said his side had planned to target Australia’s captain Michael Clarke in bowler-friendly conditions in Cape Town. Steyn bowled a particularly aggressive spell to Clarke after lunch in which he repeatedly bowled short deliveries that Clarke played and missed at. There were also a few words between the two.”We want to really come hard at someone like Clarke,” Steyn said. “He is a young skipper. That’s the thing you do with any team if they’ve got a new leader in conditions that are pretty tough. When he came out there, we went at him hard. If you can cut the head off the leader, the rest of the body might fall apart.”This time, though, Clarke kept his head and went on to score a century. Clarke said Steyn was one of the fielders who shook his hand after he reached his century, evidence of the friendship the two teams share off the pitch.The duel between Steyn and Clarke began after Clarke’s predecessor, Ricky Ponting, departed shortly after lunch. At that stage, with Australia 40 for 3, South Africa’s tails were up and Steyn said they wanted to justify Graeme Smith’s decision to field first, especially when his opposite number came in. “When the opposition captain comes out and it’s a tricky situation, you really want to show why you stuck the opposition in.”Smith’s choice had already been vindicated when Steyn and new-ball partner Vernon Philander took a wicket each in the first six overs. Both Shane Watson and Phil Hughes were caught in the slips, after being beaten by swing and seam respectively, cutting short battles that were expected to last longer. Ponting was dismissed lbw by Steyn, after a review, and Steyn said it was an important dismissal because Ponting’s demeanour at the crease looked ominous. “He looks a little bit different. Maybe it is giving up the captaincy. He looks like he’s had a load taken off his shoulders.” Smith decided to review the decision even though Steyn did not appear to appeal initially. “Things happen pretty quickly when you are trying to run in and bowl fast,” Steyn said. “You look down and when you look up again the ball has hit the pads and you’re not sure how close it is.”

India allrounder Ravindra Jadeja fetched the highest bid in the IPL 2012 auction, being signed up by Chennai Super Kings for more than $2m after they beat Deccan Chargers in a secret tiebreaker

Siddarth Ravindran04-Feb-2012India allrounder Ravindra Jadeja fetched the highest bid in the IPL 2012 auction, being signed up by Chennai Super Kings for more than $2m after they beat Deccan Chargers in a secret tiebreaker. Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene went to Delhi Daredevils for $1.4m and India medium-pacer Vinay Kumar to Royal Challengers Bangalore for $1m. The auction was held under a cloud of controversy following the breaking news, an hour before its scheduled start, that Sahara was pulling out of its Pune franchise.Two other big buys on the day came from Kolkata Knight Riders: Brendon McCullum for $900,000 and the relatively low-profile West Indies offspinner, Sunil Narine, for $700,000.Once again England players weren’t in demand. Most West Indies players also missed out as they have Test series with Australia and England clashing with the IPL season. With their availability for the IPL restricted due to the home series against West Indies in May, none of them attracted a bid. VVS Laxman, with a base price of $400,000 and originally an icon player when the IPL launched in 2008, also went unsold.The big surprises

Vinay Kumar has been prolific in Indian domestic cricket but does not command a permanent spot in India’s XI. He was certainly not considered a candidate to hit the million-dollar mark.

Sunil Narine was mystery bowler of the 2011 Champions League T20. But a player who has played only three internationals going from a base price of $50,000 to being one of the top-five most expensive buys was not on the radar.

Last year Thisara Perera was bought by Kochi Tuskers for $80,000. This year the allrounder went from a base price of $50,000 to $650,000 – the sixth biggest buy at the auction.

Tim Southee came into IPL 2011 as CSK’s replacement for an injured Jacob Oram, and impressed with his death bowling, especially against KKR. That, coupled with his big-hitting ability down the order, make his going unsold a huge surprise.

Among the most active franchises on the day was Mumbai Indians. They strengthened their bowling line-up by signing up the IPL’s highest all-time wicket-taker, RP Singh ($600,000), and three overseas allrounders: Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera ($650,000), Australia’s Mitchell Johnson ($300,000) and South Africa’s Robin Peterson ($100,000). Mumbai also made one of the smartest buys of the day, by hiring experienced Twenty20 specialist Herschelle Gibbs for a paltry $50,000.The Rajasthan Royals also made five signings but, unlike Mumbai, they didn’t splash the cash. Their most expensive purchases were Australia’s Brad Hodge ($475,000) and India fast bowler Sreesanth ($400,000). They made three low-cost buys: $180,000 for left-arm spinner Brad Hogg – who turns 41 on Monday and had received an unlikely international recall for the Twenty20s against India, following his good run in the Big Bash League – and $50,000 apiece for Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal and Trinidad & Tobago allrounder Kevon Cooper, whose medium pace proved hard to hit at the Champions League T20 last year.Another West Indies allrounder, Andre Russell, who impressed last year with his combination of fast bowling, big hitting, sharp fielding and made-for-IPL bling, was picked up by Delhi Daredevils for $450,000.Two players whose international days are behind them, Muttiah Muralitharan ($220,000 to Royal Challengers) and former Pakistan allrounder Azhar Mahmood ($200,000 to Kings XI Punjab) also earned contracts.For a full list of players who were bought at the auction, click here.

MS Dhoni, the India captain, has said India have adapted to the change in nature of Sri Lankan pitches better than the hosts on this tour

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Aug-2012Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lanka captain, has said he was “disappointed” with his team’s performance in the one-off Twenty20 game against India, that Sri Lanka lost by 39 runs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to restrict India’s batsmen in the death overs to keep the target to a gettable 156, but their batsmen failed to capitalise.”It was very disappointing, the way we lost today,” Jayawardene said. “At the halfway mark, we had a chat. The plan was to consolidate in the middle overs and keep wickets in hand till the 15th or 16th overs. From there on, eight an over was not going to be tough on a good surface on which the ball came on to the bat nicely, so we could have accelerated had we had wickets in hand. But we didn’t execute our game plan well at all.”This loss capped off a poor limited-overs series against India: Sri Lanka lost the ODI series that preceded the Twenty20 game 1-4. However, Jayawardene said the scoreline did not reflect how the team had performed in the one-dayers. “I don’t think we were outplayed in the ODI series, I thought we played some good cricket,” he said. “We had our opportunities but unfortunately, we didn’t take them. Today, yes, we didn’t play to our potential and were well beaten, but while the scoreline will show 4-1 in the ODI series, I think the series was a lot closer than that.”Sri Lanka’s next assignment is the Sri Lanka Premier League that starts later this week. India play New Zealand before they return to Sri Lanka for the World Twenty20 in September and Jayawardene said there were no clear favourites for the tournament. “In Twenty20 cricket, anything can happen,” Jayawardene said. “It all depends on how you perform on the day. In the past, we have seen Ireland and Zimbabwe beat big teams in the World Cup. As far as I am concerned, all 12 teams are in a good position to win the tournament. It all depends on how well you start the tournament, and how well you can maintain the momentum.”The World Twenty20 begins on September 18, with Sri Lanka taking on Zimbabwe in Hambantota.

Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik carried Mumbai Indians to their third win in four games and the top of the table

The Report by Sidharth Monga13-Apr-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Rohit Sharma scored 47 off the last 15 balls he faced•BCCIEven as Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar take their time to bed in as an opening combination, Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik carried Mumbai Indians to their third win in four games and the top of the table.Tendulkar finally arrived, in particular with four consecutive boundaries off Ashok Dinda, but the openers fell in quick succession, and it needed a flourish of 65 runs in the last four overs for Mumbai to feel comfortable with the target. Dinda was the victim again as he equalled the most expensive IPL figures by going for 63 runs in his four overs. Mitchell Johnson, then, did the exact opposite by swinging his way through the Pune Warriors top order, which all but sealed the win.With a mix of swagger and desperation, Tendulkar finally got going with his 44 off 29, but Ponting continued to struggle and finished with yet another effort at under a run a ball, taking his tournament tally to 48 at an average of 12 and a strike rate of 73. Around him, though, Tendulkar caused mayhem, especially with Dinda, one of the five bowlers used in the first five overs.Left-arm spin, though, worked for Pune: Aaron Finch began the innings with a three-run over, and Yuvraj Singh got Ponting first ball when introduced in the eighth over. Finch accounted for Tendulkar, who holed out at long-on, in the next over, and Mumbai were 60 for 2 in the ninth. They now needed a bit of rebuilding, which Karthik and Rohit did, but without sacrificing the scoring rate.Karthik equalled the highest run-getter of the tournament with a pulled four off Yuvraj in the 12th over, and then claimed the orange cap with an inside-out four next ball. However, just when the two looked set for the final flourish with a 55-run stand, Karthik fell to the first ball after the second timeout. Mitchell Marsh, introduced just then, came up with the perfect offcutter first up.Rohit, just 15 off 16 then, was ready to strike, and Kieron Pollard was the perfect foil. It was Dinda who let them off the hook decisively with a gentle length ball in the 17th over. Rohit smacked it over long-off, and the flood gates opened. The next one was a slower no-ball, and it sailed over long-on. In the next over, Marsh got the treatment: a four and a six from Pollard, followed by a four and a six from Rohit.Angelo Mathews bowled a fine 19th over, for just nine runs, but handed the ball over to Dinda for the 20th, and Rohit feasted with yet another brace of sixes. The first of those brought up his fifty; in all he looted 47 off the last 15 balls he played. Still, on a flat pitch with short boundaries, this was not a safe total. Mumbai could do with a bit of Johnson.And Johnson it was then with a fast, full, spearing delivery to knock Finch’s middle stump back first ball. In his next over, he demolished Robin Uthappa’s off stump. In between the two events, Uthappa had run Ross Taylor out. At 13 for 3 in the third over, there was too much left for the rest to do.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is taking inspiration from a fellow Manchester City rival to learn the tricks following positional change at club and country.

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Alexander-Arnold studies Stones' midfield successSouthgate eyes Alexander-Arnold as a midfielderLiverpool's hybrid role propels him to follow the sameWHAT HAPPENED?

The England full-back has been deployed as a defensive midfielder by Jurgen Klopp at Anfield which has forced him to watch and learn closely from John Stones who has also adapted to playing in an advanced role from being a centre back.

Gareth Southgate believes in the potential of Alexander-Arnold and envisions the Liverpool star's future in midfield amid stiff competition in the right-back position from Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James.

Getty ImagesAdvertisementWHAT TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD SAID

Alexander-Arnold revealed that he keenly follows the game of Stones, is an admirer of Rodri and watches legends from the past like Steven Gerrard to get a grip on his position.

"I think as someone who plays the inverted role, or whatever people want to call it, then obviously John Stones is the example of who to watch," he said.

"He is exceptional and I’ve admired his game for a long time. I look at a lot of his clips and even when I’m watching City play, I will sit and focus on him. I admire Rodri. He is pivotal to City and massively underrated. They are not the same without him. l’ll also watch midfielders from the past to learn from; Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, Stevie G. They are players I have always enjoyed."

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Alexander-Arnold was labelled a midfielder by The FA and the player revealed he has held extensive talks with the team management about his new role and the classification isn't just for show.

"The conversations I’ve had with the England manager and staff, I go there as a midfielder," he said.

"That is where I train and where I try and play on the pitch, barring the last Australia game. It helps me because I’m not playing midfield every week with Liverpool. Being in midfield is a lot different to at the side of the pitch. I am learning how to receive the ball in central areas."

While talking about his role at Liverpool he added: "The way I see it and has been explained to me, it is almost when we have the ball I am a midfielder, and when we don’t I am a right-back. Sixty per cent of the game, I am in midfield. It’s about playing with freedom to get on the ball and try and create and make things happen, to progress us up the pitch. And when the ball advances towards us, it becomes more about protection and stopping counter attacks."

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Alexander-Arnold will be eager to put his best foot forward when England host Malta on Friday in a Euro 2024 Qualifier before taking on North Macedonia two days later away from home.

Saqlain Mushtaq has confirmed his return to Bangladesh as the team’s spin bowling consultant later this month

Mohammad Isam01-Sep-2013Saqlain Mushtaq has confirmed his return to Bangladesh as the team’s spin bowling consultant later this month. The former Pakistan offspinner will continue the 100-day contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board for 2013, which saw him accompany the side to Zimbabwe earlier this year.”I look forward to joining the Bangladesh camp by the end of September. If not, (by) October 1 is a must,” Saqlain told .It is a busy time for Saqlain. He will conduct a three-week spin-bowling clinic for a group of current and emerging West Indies spinners from September 3. After that, he will be in Bangladesh for the series against New Zealand, which starts in early October with two Tests followed by three ODIs and a Twenty20 international.Saqlain first joined Bangladesh in 2012 when Richard Pybus was the head coach, and was part of the coaching staff in Sri Lanka for the World Twenty20 and the West Indies home series later in the year.During his time with the side, Saqlain has worked extensively with Sohag Gazi, and played a significant role in the young offspinner’s success against West Indies in his maiden series. Gazi bounced back from an early assault from Chris Gayle to dismiss the batsman on his way to 4 for 29 in his debut ODI. Saqlain has also worked with the senior spinners in the side such as Abdur Razzak and Shakib Al Hasan.According to these players, Saqlain has added more than just the odd word of advice. In the case of Gazi, he set specific fields for the newcomer, down to each batsman. Gazi, however, missed Saqlain’s input when he struggled in Sri Lanka in March this year, but as soon as the consultant returned to the Bangladesh dressing room, for the Zimbabwe tour, Gazi found a way to strike. He has since credited Saqlain for much of his success.It is unlikely that Saqlain will be working with emerging spinners in the country. However, Bangladesh’s next international series after New Zealand is only in January, so there is an opportunity for the BCB to utilize his knowledge to find the next crop of slow bowlers in domestic cricket after the New Zealand series is over in early November.