Ajmal confident of clearing official reassessment
Banned off-spinner set to undergo official test on his bowling action on Jan 24
HOPEFUL: The off-spinner has reportedly shown remarkable improvement after his first official testing, which revealed that he had a flexion in excess of 40 degrees. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
Suspended Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is confident he will ace the official reassessment of his bowling action in Chennai, India.
The 37-year-old, who was the top bowler in the world before his action was called into question, believes that the hard work he put in the last three to four months will help him succeed.
It should be mentioned here that Ajmal has been working tirelessly with the likes of Muhammad Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq in the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, and also worked with the latter in England.
The off-spinner has reportedly shown remarkable improvement after his first official testing, which revealed that he had a flexion in excess of 40 degrees. Thereafter, the informal test conducted at Loughborough showed that he is closing on the allowed 15-degree limit.
Interestingly, Ajmal paid out of his own pocket to give a bowling test in England during the launch of his academy a few days before, which he cleared.
“I gave a test on personal basis recently and cleared it, so I’m very confident that I’ll clear the official reassessment too,” said Ajmal. “My action has improved a lot and I’m optimistic that I’ll clear all my deliveries, including the doosra. Moreover, I’ve developed a carrom-ball action thanks to Saqlain and a seam-up delivery which has been taught by Akram.”
Asked whether he is still hoping to play a role in the World Cup after injury to pacer Junaid Khan if he clears the test, Ajmal replied, “I’m not looking to take up the place of someone. I’m a match-winner, not a backup bowler. Whenever I return, I’ll come back as a dominant force.”
Responding to a query about whether he will be able to teach kids at his academy despite being suspended, Ajmal answered that he wants to serve the youth throughout his playing career and expressed hope that he will not be barred from doing so.
Suspended Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is confident he will ace the official reassessment of his bowling action in Chennai, India.
The 37-year-old, who was the top bowler in the world before his action was called into question, believes that the hard work he put in the last three to four months will help him succeed.
It should be mentioned here that Ajmal has been working tirelessly with the likes of Muhammad Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq in the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, and also worked with the latter in England.
The off-spinner has reportedly shown remarkable improvement after his first official testing, which revealed that he had a flexion in excess of 40 degrees. Thereafter, the informal test conducted at Loughborough showed that he is closing on the allowed 15-degree limit.
Interestingly, Ajmal paid out of his own pocket to give a bowling test in England during the launch of his academy a few days before, which he cleared.
“I gave a test on personal basis recently and cleared it, so I’m very confident that I’ll clear the official reassessment too,” said Ajmal. “My action has improved a lot and I’m optimistic that I’ll clear all my deliveries, including the doosra. Moreover, I’ve developed a carrom-ball action thanks to Saqlain and a seam-up delivery which has been taught by Akram.”
Asked whether he is still hoping to play a role in the World Cup after injury to pacer Junaid Khan if he clears the test, Ajmal replied, “I’m not looking to take up the place of someone. I’m a match-winner, not a backup bowler. Whenever I return, I’ll come back as a dominant force.”
Responding to a query about whether he will be able to teach kids at his academy despite being suspended, Ajmal answered that he wants to serve the youth throughout his playing career and expressed hope that he will not be barred from doing so.