Saqlain unlikely to be fit for England series

Saqlain Mushtaq, the Pakistan off spinner, says he doesn't expect to be picked for the forthcoming England series.

Saqlain, who last played for Pakistan against India in Multan last year, has been suffering from a chronic knee injury for much of the last year, and despite recovering well, he believes it unlikely that he will play against England.

Saqlain told Reuters, "The injury has healed and I resumed playing first-class cricket for Surrey this season. But a comeback against England is not likely because I still need more match practice and training."

But he warned Pakistan that England will provide an extremely difficult challenge during the series. "After beating Australia, England are keen to win in Pakistan and show everyone their Ashes victory was not a fluke. Pakistan should expect, on and off the field, pressure tactics and mind games."

Saqlain also cautioned against attacking the tourists with spinners on slow pitches. This was a strategy Pakistan adopted when England visited last in 2000 but one that met with little success. Saqlain took 18 wickets during that series, including 8 for 164 in the first innings at Lahore.

"Pakistan will have some home advantage but I really don't know how much it will affect the outcome of the series. The last time England came in 2000, only Graham Thorpe could play spin well now they have several good players of spin."

Pakistan has been toying with the idea of recalling Mushtaq Ahmed in a bid to boost their spinning options and provide Danish Kaneria with some support.