Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq is backing spinner Saeed Ajmal to become increasingly effective after his return to international cricket with his remodelled action.
Ajmal, who is due to link up with Worcestershire for a third spell later in the season, made his comeback this week in the ODI series in Bangladesh.
The 37-year-old got the green light to resume after his new action was approved via an ICC biomechanics test in earlier this year.
He returned figures of 0-72 from 10 overs and 1-49 from 9.1 overs and has come in for criticism in some sections of the Pakistan media.
But Misbah has faith in Ajmal to become more of threat as he gradually gets more cricket under his belt.
He said: "When a player like Ajmal comes back after such a setback he is very cautious because there are concerns over his effectiveness.
"But I think he will improve with every match. Give him one or two series and he will come back strongly."
Pakistan spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed also spoke positively about Ajmal and said: "I will tell you one thing, he is a tough cookie. Suddenly he had to change his action with which he has been bowling for last 20 years.
"He is confident. His variation is not there yet. He is working hard in the nets. I am quite happy with his pace. It is not easy for the guy to come back and play international cricket. I am quite happy with Saeed Ajmal."
Ajmal took 63 wickets in nine LV = County Championship appearances for Worcestershire last season. He is part of the squad in Bangladesh for Friday's T20I in Mirpur and the two Tests.
