Raring to spin
Hasan Masood from Multan
Saqlain Mushtaq is happy returning to play in international cricket for his country after a six-month lay-off. The champion Pakistani off-spinner, who joined the team a day before after playing for English county side Surrey, is however feeling the pressure to perform in the third Test against Bangladesh. Talking to this correspondent at the Multan Stadium before practice yesterday, Saqlain also gave full credit to Bangladesh for their recent improved showing under Dav Whatmore whom he considered as one of the best coaches in the world. "I am happy to be back in the Pakistan fold. There is nothing bigger than playing for your country and I want to take full advantage of that," said Saqlain adding that he was obviously feeling the pressure to be under spotlight after a long absence. "I'm only human and I do feel the pressure and tension of a comeback," said the player, who was one the eight cricketers dropped after the World Cup this year. Saqlain said that his mystery delivery, better known as 'Dusra' was no more a mystery to the cricket world now. "I think everybody knows about that delivery. That's why I'm not focusing much on that these days. I have learnt and practised some new things during my stay in England and I'm going to deliver those against Bangladesh," Saqlain said without elaborating. "It was a frustrating period for me being out of the national team for six months. But I don't want to dwell on why the selectors have dropped me and I want to give 100 per cent for my country," said the 26-year-old. Saqlain is one of the two players recalled in the team for the third Test with middle-order batsman Younis Khan.
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