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
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.
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I still got a strong* "Gut" Feeling that Saeed Ajmal will Play World Cup.
Look at the sequence of events, so many co-incidences really ? I am not believing this.
-Well when Saeed was out of WC 15' race then why take test so early, Means he can take his time to improve more, why taking such risk?
-Junaid Khan Injured , No replacement announced ?
-7th Feb is last date by ICC to make replacements
-Ajmal's statement after clearing the unofficial test 14th Jan: "Look, I want to be as confident in my bowling as I was before (suspension) and want to be effective, so (whether) I can still play the World Cup or cannot play, remains to be seen. I want to do what is best for my country and for my team," he said.
My sixth sense saying once he clear the test , due to huge pressure of nation he will agree to play WC and may this is the strategy to manipulate the BIASED BIG 3 and their ICC. Well if this is the case then Shaharar Khan I will accept you as "Geek of Bluff (* Conditional Thumbs Up)
Well I have this Gut Feeling!!! Don't know why but one can expect surprises from PCB any time and specially if Ajmal clears the Test that surprise will be more like a Pre-Planned monopoly.
I still got a string "Gut" Feeling that Saeed Ajmal will Play World Cup.
Look at the sequence of events, so many co-incidences really ? I am not believing this.
-Well when Saeed was out of WC 15' race then why take test so early, Means he can take his time to improve more, why taking such risk?
-Junaid Khan Injured , No replacement announced ?
-7th Feb is last date by ICC to make replacements
-Ajmal's statement after clearing the unofficial test 14th Jan: "Look, I want to be as confident in my bowling as I was before (suspension) and want to be effective, so (whether) I can still play the World Cup or cannot play, remains to be seen. I want to do what is best for my country and for my team," he said.
My sixth sense saying once he clear the test , due to huge pressure of nation he will agree to play WC and may this is the strategy to manipulate the BIASED BIG 3 and their ICC. Well if this is the case then Shaharar Khan I will accept you as "Geek of Bluff (* Conditional Thumbs Up)
Well I have this Gut Feeling!!! Don't know why but one can expect surprises from PCB any time and specially if Ajmal clears the Test that surprise will be more like a Pre-Planned monopoly.
I think he still has a lot to offer, and I hope he comes back just as effective. He has been a match winner for Pakistan for the last few years. And as far as I can remember he has never been associated with any controversies, therefore, it is only right that he gets all the support necessary.
Ali Khan Digital Engagement Team, USCENTCOM