Leg-spinning legend compliments Salisbury
Staff and Agencies - 31 October 2000

Salisbury: boosted by Abdul Qadir's praise Photo © AllSport UK Ltd Ian Walton

Ian Salisbury has received a welcome boost as he prepares for his first game of the Pakistan tour. Salisbury's performance is expected to be crucial in the forthcoming series, and at least one Pakistani believes the England selectors have got it right this time.

Abdul Qadir, the former Pakistan leg-spinner, is coach of the Patron’s XI that England are taking on tomorrow. As one of the best bowlers of his type in history, few could be better placed to offer an opinion on other leggies. He has advised Shane Warne and destroyed England's batting, taking 61 wickets in nine Tests against them in Pakistan and 82 in 16 Tests in all.

"I don't know why he hasn't been playing for England," the 45 year-old Qadir remarked. "He has talent and should have played regularly."

The England selectors have taken a gamble on Salisbury. His last Test was in 1998. He struggled for England that summer having performed well for Surrey, suffering at the hands of Cronje and Aravinda de Silva in particular. A Test bowling average of 70, and a batting average of 14 don’t augur well for this tour.

"Leg-spinners need experience," Qadir concedes, "and he may have got punishment in some matches and then come back and got wickets, but after that you would have had a very good bowler."

Salisbury has evolved into a reliable match-winner at county level. He has lost little in comparison with Saqlain Mushtaq when they have bowled in tandem, but questions still remain about his ability at the top level.

Qadir has few doubts however.

"He's not a bad cricketer and he should have played consistently for England. I'm sure he'd have done better than a lot of the other spinners they've tried."

Qadir has even offered to pass on some tips to the Englishman, suggesting that he will help if Salisbury approaches him.

"He should come and meet me, and I will happily speak to him. I am happy to help anybody because I still love the game and want to put something back."

© CricInfo Ltd.