Monday, January 26th, 2015

Ajmal Hopeful Of Getting Clearance After Taking Icc Test

Ajmal Hopeful Of Getting Clearance After Taking Icc Test

Saeed Ajmal is in optimistic mood after undergoing his ICC biomechanics test on his remodelled action and said: "I felt those who tested me were happy with my action."

Ajmal said he has "worked the hardest ever in my life" in a bid to successfully change his action.

The Pakistan spinner, who picked up 63 LV = County Championship wickets for Worcestershire last season, was tested on Saturday in Chennai at the Sri Ramachandra Sports Medicine Centre.

Ajmal has been banned from international cricket since September after his action was reported during the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Test in Galle the previous month.

Worcestershire Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes, is keen to re-sign Ajmal for the 2015 campaign if his new action gets the green light.

Ajmal said: “I felt those who tested me were happy with my action. I am hopeful, but ultimately the decision rests with them.

“I bowled 30 deliveries. I bowled five different kinds of balls six times each. I bowled the doosra, the carrom ball, the off-spinner, seam-up and the quicker one.

“If I had just wanted to bowl the off-spinner, I could have got my action cleared in two weeks. But I want to retain my variety.

"I think my doosra is within permissible limits now. If they are not happy with my doosra, then I feel I can still bowl effectively with my off-spinner and other deliveries.

“I want to be a frontline bowler, the No.1 bowler in the side. I don’t want to make up numbers. I would rather retire than do that,”

Ajmal added: “Previously my arm used to come from behind my body. Now it is coming from the side.

"My front foot used to be in the air at delivery stride. Now it is on the ground.

"Earlier, I looked upwards while releasing the ball. Now I look at the batsman with a straight head. My action was chest on before. Now it is more side-on and I am pivoting a little.”

Ajmal has worked closely with former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq in remodelling his action.

He said: "You see, my action was judged to be well over 40 degrees. Saqlain told me there was no use being depressed. He inspired me to pick myself up.

"I have bowled around 12,000 deliveries with my new action in the last four months.

"I have worked the hardest ever in my life for my country and for my fans in the last few months. Inshallah (god willing) victory is ours, be ready for good news Inshallah.

"I'm now back with my family, the tough time is over now Inshallah. I'm relaxed and positive. Thank you for all your care and prayers."