KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board Illegal Bowling Action Committee member and national selector Muhammad Akram said he is satisfied with Saeed Ajmal’s first outing against Kenya as the off-spinner bids to get cleared by the International Cricket Council for his bowling action.
Ajmal was named for Pakistan A’s last two matches against Kenya so that his modified action can be assessed in a match situation before being sent for another official test.
The off-spinner picked up a lone scalp in his six-over spell as Pakistan A won their fourth one-dayer – reduced to 28-overs-a-side due to foggy conditions – by 118 runs against Kenya at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“I’m 90% satisfied with what I’ve seen from Ajmal’s bowling today and he will only improve from here,” Akram told The Express Tribune.
“He has developed new varieties in his bowling, which will help him maintain his lethal touch in case he doesn’t have the same bite in his ‘doosra’ delivery. He has been trying to bowl a carom ball and the one with the seam up.”
Set a target of 224, Kenya were bowled out for 106 in 27.5 overs. Nelson Odhiambo scored 22 as captain Fawad Alam and Mukhtar Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece.
Earlier, Mukhtar starred with the bat as his 62-ball 87 knocked, studded with two sixes and 11 boundaries, propelled Pakistan A to 224-5.
Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with 50 off 55 balls, while Odhiambo and Emmanuel Brundi took two wickets each.
After the match, Ajmal said he felt really well playing after three months. “I’m happy that I’m out again on the ground after three months and felt really comfortable,” he said. “I’ve come back after a big gap so my bowling will improve with more match practice.”
The 37-year-old has been working hard on his modified action since the last several weeks and said he feels that he will be cleared in time to be considered for the World Cup.
“With the amount of hard work I’ve put in, I’m 100% sure that I’ll be let off the hook after the second official test. I’m still waiting for my visa and as soon as I’ll receive that, I’ll leave for Chennai,” concluded Ajmal.
Meanwhile, Saqlain Mushtaq is expected to arrive in Pakistan today to help Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez in their rehabilitation process before going for official tests.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2014.
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