Surrey spin legend, Saqlain Mushtaq firmly believes that he is ready to go and is in no doubt that he is fit enough to withstand the rigours of a full English County season.

Saqlain, who recently signed with the Club on a two-year deal, played with Surrey from 1997 to 2005 but after a string of knee problems, the Club released him from his contract. However, the 30 year old believes after spending last season at Sussex, where he played in four LV County Championship matches and taking 18 wickets, that he is nearly back to his best.

Saqlain speaks with Surrey TV. To see the interview, click here.

On being asked whether his body would be up to the task of seeing out a full season he said, “Why not? I’ve done it before and I can do it again. Everything is still there and I know how I started and the level I reached. I will work hard to reach that level again.”

He also added, “When I joined Sussex I was struggling a bit early on, but the physios and trainers worked really hard with me, on every part of the body, and I played my first game against India [in July] and bowled really well. And from that day, I felt that there was nothing I’d lost, apart from the time. To be honest I can say that the time [out of the game] has given me more control of my thoughts and emotions and I’ve learnt a lot from that."

The full Saqlain interview will be available later this month from the latest edition of the Club magazine, Direct Hit.

You can purchase the magazine through the online Shop or click on the link below:

https://www.surreycricket.com/books-47/direct-hit-227/product.html

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