Ashes 2013: Mushtaq`s reverse-swing tips helping England bowlers

Karachi: He himself played as a specialist spinner in the Pakistan team but Mushtaq Ahmed, England`s spin-bowling coach, on Wednesday said he has passed on the art of reverse swing to the English bowlers which they have been using to the good effect in the ongoing Ashes series.

"I am not taking any credit because the English bowlers deserve it all for working hard on perfecting this art. But yes, I did discuss reverse swing with them and passed on tips about how to reverse swing," said the former leg-spinner. Mushtaq is a former team-mate of two of the foremost exponents of reverse swing, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. He said he learnt a lot about how to reverse swing by observing the legendary pace duo. "I used to watch how they obtained reverse swing. They used to bowl at hours in the nets to perfect this skill. What I learnt from them I discussed with the English bowlers and I am happy they are now using it well," he said. Reminded that Pakistani bowlers were always accused of tampering with the ball to gain reverse swing, Mushtaq said, "It is not just about keeping one side dry, it is about using the crease well. Using the angles well and other factors as well." "The English bowlers have worked hard and discussed all these things in detail that is why they are productive now with this skill," he added. Mushtaq said the England bowlers would trouble the Australians further in the Ashes series. "England is going to dominate this Ashes series and they are already two up. But I have seen how hard they work on their skills in the nets which is so important as gym training, fitness and other things." PTI