Saqlain ready to don England cap

The Pak off-spinner says he has got back his confidence and self-esteem after his performance against India for Sussex.

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.

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"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 told PTI from England.

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.