Ajmal confident of bowling well, says Mushtaq Ahmed

Pakistan’s spin bowling coach has defended spinner Saeed Ajmal’s lacklustre form after returning to international cricket.

The talismanic spinner is yet to test the Bangladesh batsmen with only a wicket to his name in two matches.

He conceded 74 runs off 10 overs in the first ODI and 49 off 9.1 overs in the second.

“He is a tough cookie. He came out when people thought he cannot make it. He changed his action with which he has been bowling for the last 20 years. Suddenly, he has to change,” Mushtaq said at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

“He was not successful but I know he is confident of bowling well in the upcoming matches,” he said.

Before being barred from bowling by the ICC because of suspected illegal bowling action, Ajmal was the spearhead of Pakistan’s bowling attack.

The 37-year-old has 178 wickets in 35 Tests and 183 in 113 ODIs.

“Time will tell (if he will be as effective as before). He is confident. His variation is not there yet but he is working hard in the nets.”

“It is difficult to do it (retrieve form) right after getting back to international cricket. The Bangladesh batsmen are definitely good against spin. I am happy with Ajmal.”

The hosts have romped to a series win over a new-look Pakistan side, which is under a new captain, Azhar Ali, with a match in hand.

They won the first match by 79 runs and the second by 7 wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.