Sussex release Mushtaq for England role

Sussex have released Mushtaq Ahmed from his part-time coaching contract so that he can take up a more regular role with the England team.

Mushtaq was appointed to the national coaching set-up in October and spent time with the squad on the tour of West Indies where he received positives reviews from Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann. He also signed with Sussex for three months a year, but England's spinners are expected to play a key part in the Ashes series and Mark Robinson, the Sussex coach, is happy to let Mushtaq extend his role with the squad

"We are pleased to help out England," he said. "This is a fantastic opportunity for Mushtaq, but also for England to have a man of his experience and knowledge working full time. If Sussex can do anything that helps England's chances of winning the Ashes, we are more than happy to oblige."

Mushtaq will remain based in Sussex and when his England commitments allow will still work with the county squad. Over the next few days he will spend time with them as they play Essex and Hampshire in the Twenty20 Cup.

Sussex have a number of young spinners coming through the ranks as they try to replace Mushtaq's regular hauls. Will Beer, the legspinner, has spent a lot of time working with Mushtaq and is highly, while the club also have high hopes for left-arm spinner Tom Smith.