January 17, 2008	Thursday	Muharram 07, 1429

LONDON, Jan 16: Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq has said that he will seize the chance to represent England if the call comes his way.

Saqlain possesses a British passport through his marriage and becomes eligible in April as he begins another season with Surrey.

“If they [England] call me, definitely I’ll play,” he told BBC London. “I’ve been discussing with my family and friends and they’ve all been saying ‘Saqqy, if they give you the chance, definitely go for it’.”

Saqlain hasn’t featured at the international scene since 2004 when a serious knee injury jeopardised his career.

However, after the surgery he signed with Sussex – together with former Pakistan team-mate Mushtaq Ahmed – before returning to Surrey for the 2008 campaign.

“To be honest, I love my cricket and I want to play at the highest level,” expressed Saqlain. “I’ve been thinking about it because last year the press asked me the question and I said I’m looking after my body and my form at the moment.”

Saqlain, who has captured 208 Test wickets besides 288 ODI scalps, added that motivation wouldn’t be an issue.—Agencies