Spotlights on Ajmal again

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal celebrates a wicket during their warm-up match against the BCB XI at Fatullah on Wednesday.
— New Age photo

As Pakistan enter a transitional period with the three-match one-day international series against Bangladesh today, all eyes will be on Saeed Ajmal, who is also beginning new phase in his career.
The off-spinner has always attracted the spotlight on him despite a late start to his international career and his comeback after 8-month ban with a remodeled action will light up the curiosity even more.
The 37-year-old was cleared to bowl again in February just before the World Cup though was not picked for the showpiece event.
However, Pakistan was quick to bring him to international cricket once the World Cup ended, including him in all three formats for current series.
He played two domestic Twenty20 matches before coming to Bangladesh and bowled in a 50-over game for the first time since remodeling his action in Wednesday’s one-wicket warm-up loss to BCB XI.
Ajmal came up with a return of 1-45 off 8 overs, the kind of figure that is not up to the mark with his standards.
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis showed his full support to his champion bowler and acknowledged his sincerity.
‘Saeed Ajmal has really worked hard in the last eight months,’ Waqar said on Thursday. ‘Coming out of the situation he was in it needs some character to come out.
‘He had proved that he is still good enough and that’s why we picked him in all three formats,’ the Pakistan coach said.
Waqar seemed to be content with his bowling in warm-up match when He was at the receiving end of at least one six and two fours of Sabbir Rahman.
‘He bowled quite well yesterday [Wednesday] and impressed with his outcome. It was his first game after a long time especially in a 50-over game’. Waqar said.
‘I think to judge him at the moment is a little bit tough but the kind of experience he carries and the character he is I am sure that he will come good for Pakistan,’ he said.
Sakib al Hasan, the ace all-rounder of Bangladesh was also watchful on his opponent.’ He is playing after long time. I have no idea if he is the same Ajmal whom we had seen’ Sakib told to reporters.
Sakib, who recently commented that his side is favourites in the series, is keen to take advantage of any adverse situation on Ajmal.
‘Sometime after an incident like this one may not have the same efficiency’, said Sakib.
However, the man who will lead his side today due to the absence of regular opener Mashrafee bin Murtaza for a one match ban was also very cautious simultaneously.
‘But he can be even sharper than past. So we will get to realise whole thing after tomorrow’s match’, Sakib added about Ajmal.