VVS Laxman finds an admirer in former spin bowling wizard Saqlain Mushtaq

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq gave a beautiful example of personal admiration between players during the ongoing second Test between England and India at Vishakhapatnam. The Pakistani great, who is not known as an avid autograph collector, recently asked local volunteers to get VVS Laxman’s signature on a cricket bat.

“Saqlain Mushtaq, the former Pakistan bowler, wants Laxman’s autograph,” said one of the volunteers during the busy day two. VVS Laxman had no obligations and was more than happy to give an autograph. The gesture from both the former cricketers just proves the kind of respect former players have for each other despite being sporting rivals during their playing days. Any act of friendship is greatly received between two players, especially if both the individuals happen to be from India and Pakistan.

Saqlain is currently with the England team as its spin bowling consultant. The maverick off-spinner, who introduced the doosra to the cricketing world, was roped in to work with the England spin quartet of Gareth Batty, Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and Zafar Ansari. His contract initially was just for a period of 15 days but was later extended until the end the third Test of the five-match series at Mohali.

There were concerns about Saqlain getting an extension on his Indian visa due to the prevalent diplomatic situation between India and Pakistan but it is understood that those worries have since been put to rest. The effect his presence was quite evident in the first Test at Rajkot where the spinner produced an appreciable performance in the second innings.