Moeen Ali says it will be a "big boost" to Worcestershire's hopes of staying in Division One of the LV = County Championship if Saeed Ajmal remains at the county for the rest of the season.
Ajmal is initially back with the county until July 7 and available during that period for three Championship matches – starting with tomorrow's home derby against Warwickshire – and eight NatWest T20 Blast games.
But the spell could be extended depending on whether Ajmal is selected for Pakistan's ODI's against Sri Lanka which follow on from the forthcoming Test series.
Moeen said: "We've been competitive in every game. A lot of the time it's been on day three that we've struggled but I honestly feel we are getting better
"Every year the guys are getting more experienced and people like Ben Cox are really stepping up and that's exactly what we need.
"With Saeed coming into the side, hopefully it will give us more confidence to really go out and really perform.
"He is dying to get back into the Pakistan side. For him, I hope he does get picked.
"But, if he is with us for the rest of the season, it will be a big boost to the hopes of staying up, definitely.
"We will have a great chance to stay in Division One if we've got Saeed for the whole year. With him in the side, it's perfect. You've always got a wicket-taker up your sleeve."
Moeen's disappointment at not being part of the England ODI squad against New Zealand has been offset by having the chance to work with Ajmal in readiness for the Ashes.
He said: "It is a massive bonus for me. It's working out perfectly. If I'm not playing for England, I can spend time with Saeed and hopefully improve my bowling.
"He helps with the confidence and mental side of things, a few technical bits. He just reminds me of the simple things and what you need to do to be a good spinner.
"Is the confidence coming back? Definitely, with the more I bowl, the more I play. I need a four-day game as well (as Ajmal) to get some bowling in as well."
