During the launch of New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka on Thursday in Colombo, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori spoke on the tough time his team is going to have against the Sri Lankan spinners and, as a remedy, the Kiwis have flown in ex-Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed to coach the tourists.

Mushtaq arrived in Colombo yesterday morning from London and was seen during yesterday’s warm up game at Colombo Colts between Sri Lanka Development Squad and the Kiwis.

"Mushtaq arrived this morning and he’ll be here with us for eight days. We are looking forward to receive valuable input from him in playing spin bowling. Ours is a young side and playing spin successfully is going to be vital in the series," David Currie, the Manager of the New Zealand cricket team told ‘The Island.’

Vettori too admitted that spin is going to play a key role in the series, at the series launch, and the Kiwis have two weeks and two warm up games to prepare ahead of the first Test Match in Galle on the 18th of August.

Mushtaq (39), played 59 Test Matches for Pakistan picking up 185 wickets and was a member of Imran Khan’s World Cup winning side in 1992.

He also had a successful career with English county Sussex, whom he helped win their first Championship title in the history claiming over 100 wickets. Mushtaq was also instrumental as the county won successive championships in 2006 and 2007, claiming over 100 wickets in both seasons.

He also had a brief coaching stint with the English national team, helping the likes of Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann.