Mushtaq to coach England spinners

Mushtaq Ahmed was a hero for a generation of Sussex fans

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced the appointment of former Sussex and Pakistan star Mushtaq Ahmed, 38, as a consultant spin-bowling coach.

His main role is with the slow bowlers in the Test and one-day squads, but he will also work in the performance and elite player development programmes.

ECB performance director David Parsons said: "We believe Mushtaq can encourage youngsters at grassroots level."

Mushtaq retired as a Sussex player last summer after six years at Hove.

He helped the county to three County Championships and was the leading wicket-taker in the Championship for five straight years. He played 52 Tests and 144 one-day internationals and was a member of Pakistan�s World Cup-winning team in 1992.

ECB managing director Hugh Morris said: "It's critical that we nurture and develop the next generation of England spin bowlers using the expertise and knowledge of former players such as Mushtaq.

"Spin has been integral to the success of the world's best cricket teams and we are keen to ensure that there is a constant flow of spin-bowling talent into the England set-up."

An ECB statement said Mushtaq "would be taking appropriate steps to sever his ties with the Indian Cricket League".