Saqlain Mushtaq advises Saeed Ajmal to take a break from cricket

Former Pakistan Test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has advised Saeed Ajmal to take a break from the sport in order to extend his career.

Saqlain said it was a big disappointment that Ajmal could not take a single wicket in the second innings of the Abu Dhabi Test against Sri Lanka since he was a world class spinner.

"He is a quality spinner and has proven himself in every format but he looked tired against Sri Lanka and perhaps he needs to be given a break from the sport so that he can refresh himself and come back fresh. He can still play for some more years and is our match winner," Saqlain, who took 208 Test and 288 one-day international wickets in an illustrious career, said. (Also read: Pakistan bank on spinners in second Test vs Sri Lanka)

He said that top spinners were always required to perform even on slow wickets, especially in the second innings of a Test match.

He also criticised skipper Misbah for not interacting with his spinners.

"I think Misbah-ul-Haq also needs to be more proactive especially in Test matches. When I played I was always planning every delivery and consulting with my captain. Wasim (Akram) always spoke to me in every over and I don't see that happening between Saeed and Misbah," Saqlain, who is now settled in England but worked with the New Zealand, Bangladesh and West Indies teams as spin consultant, said. (Suggested read: Pakistan uneasy about playing Asia Cup in 'unsafe' Bangladesh)

Saqlain said he was satisfied with the wealth of spin talent available in the cricket world and also with some new faces coming up.

"I think it is satisfying for me to see that spin bowlers still dominate every format of the game all over the world."