Saeed Ajmal wants top bowler tag at Worcestershire

LONDON: Pakistan's off-spinner Saeed Ajmal is hoping to replicate his success in the West Indies when he gets his Worcestershire cricket county career underway.

The 33-year-old arrived at his new county Tuesday following his country’s successful tour of the Caribbean where he took 17 wickets in two Tests at a rate of 14.47.

With a little more than two months to showcase his talents even further, Ajmal, whose arrival in Worcestershire was delayed by visa problems, cannot wait to get going.

Ajmal, who has taken 50 wickets in 11 Tests for Pakistan said, “I want to get used to the weather.

Back in Pakistan it was very hot — 48 degrees. I want to be ready for Twenty20 match on Friday. I was best bowler in the series over in West Indies and that is my aim here — to be the best bowler.”

But Ajmal is no stranger to England after touring last summer with Pakistan. He had a spell with Surrey second XI in 2005 along with eight years of league cricket which included two seasons in Sussex Premier League with Cuckfield.

At Worcestershire, the world number three one-day international bowler will play in all forms of the game, starting with Friday’s Friends Life t20 against Derbyshire Falcons.

“I’m used to playing lot of matches back home. Pakistan season is very busy, it is game after game. I have experience of playing in England. I was here last year in Test matches and also played league for eight years. I will be doing my best for Worcestershire.”

The off-spinner arrived in time to see the county side create history with back-to-back victories in County Championship Division One for the first time. “Pitches in England are a bit quicker with a little more bounce. I like that.”

Captain Daryl Mitchell was delighted to finally have Ajmal.

“It’s brilliant to see Saeed here. We’re delighted to have him. He’s a world-class talent and I’m hoping he will win us a couple of games.”

Copyright PPI (Pakistan Press International), 2011