Saeed Ajmal shares how his life has changed with the re-modelled action

Pakistani cricketer Saeed Ajmal has seen a lot in the recent times. The veteran off-spinner, who has 447 international wickets to his name in 212 appearances across formats, was banned in 2014 after his bowling action was found illegal with his arm bending more than the permissible limit. The fighter that he is, Ajmal sought Saqlain Mushtaq’s help, altered his action and made a comeback to cricket.

Since then, he has been playing competitive cricket with the sole aim of getting back to the national team. Recently, while playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he spoke to ESPNcricinfo on a wide range of topics; from dismissing PSL team-mates Andre Russell and Shane Watson in the nets, learning the art of spin bowling afresh, adjusting to the re-worked action, playing for Pakistan again to the even contest with the batsmen these days.

He finds the last thing most disturbing and recalls that earlier while facing him, batsmen’s legs would shake and they would think twice before stepping out to hit him. But things aren’t the same anymore. He is being stared back by the batsmen in return these days, and Ajmal is working hard to bring back those old days when he terrorised the batsmen.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

In the last six months, he has worked to make his action more effective and get back the pace. He has also worked on his weapon ’doosra’, and even though it is not coming out as good as it used to be, he is happy with the progress. He has been doing well in the inaugural season of PSL which is underway at the moment. In five games for his franchise Islamabad United, he has taken six wickets and is currently one of the best spinners in the league.

With his determination and the amount of hard-work he’s putting in, his Pakistan comeback in the near future even after crossing the barrier of 38 should not come as a surprise.