Saqlain Mushtaq says he has got back his confidence and self-esteem after his
performance against India for Sussex and is open to the idea of donning
the England cap to satisfy his desire to return to top flight cricket.
"The match made me realise that I am fit now and am getting better. I have
not lost my zest for the sport and I can keep on getting better," Saqlain
said.
The 30-year-old Pakistan's forgotten off-spinner made a successful
comeback to competitive cricket this week with a four-wicket haul against India
in a tour match.
It was his first proper match in two years time after he underwent
two surgeries to correct knee injuries that have haunted him since 2004 when
he last played for Pakistan, ironically also against India in Multan finishing
with the unimpressive figures of 1 for 204.
Saqlain, who was also last week granted a British passport
after he married a British national of Pakistani origin based in London, didn't
rule out the possibility of playing for his adopted country.
"Getting the passport was a big relief. It means I can
continue to play for Sussex as a local player. It also means that I can now
qualify by next year to play for England," the inventor of 'doosra' said.
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