Saqlain reckons Ajmal needs break to regain top form

Former Pakistan Test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has advised Saeed Ajmal to take a break from the sport in order to extend his career.

Saqlain said it was a big disappointment that Ajmal could not take a single wicket in the second innings of the Abu Dhabi Test against Sri Lanka.

"He is a quality spinner and has proven himself in every format but he looked tired against Sri Lanka. Perhaps he needs to be given a break from the sport and come back fresh. He can still play for some more years and is our match winner," Saqlain said.

He added that top spinners were always required to perform even on slow wickets, especially in the second innings of a Test match.

He also criticised skipper Misbah for not communicating and guiding his spinners enough.

"I think Misbah-ul-Haq also needs to be more proactive, especially in Test matches. When I played I was always planning every delivery and consulting with my captain. Wasim (Akram) always spoke to me in every over and I don’t see that happening between Saeed and Misbah,"

Saqlain said.

Saqlain, who is now settled in England, has worked with the New Zealand, Bangladesh and West Indies teams as spin consultant.

Saqlain said he was satisfied with the wealth of spin talent available in the cricket world.

"I think it is satisfying for me to see that spin bowlers still dominate every format of the game all over the world."