Ajmal says Bob Willis’s criticism “doesn’t trouble me”

Posted about 66 days ago | 0 comment

Dubai, Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal Tuesday defended his action after he tormented England with seven wickets in first cricket Test on Tuesday at Dubai International Stadium. The 34-year-old was cleared by International Cricket Council in May 2009 but his action drew stinging criticism from former England captain Bob Willis today.

However, after taking a Test best seven for 55 on opening day in Dubai, Ajmal insisted: “I’m concentrating on my bowling and it’s the umpires’ and referees’ responsibility to judge my action. Does it trouble me that someone in England questions my action? It’s no problem. Such questions were raised against Saqlain Mushtaq as well and he played county cricket for years with no problem about his action.”

Former fast bowler Willis, who played 90 Tests from 1971-84, is unhappy with one of Ajmal’s key weapons, the doosra which, unlike the conventional off-break, turns away from right-handed batsman. He says ICC could be stricter on ‘mystery spinners’ like Ajmal – and if they do not, England should teach their young bowlers to develop similar weapons.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Willis said: “The delivery that I have a problem with is doosra. ICC accommodated this delivery – they changed rules to allow these bowlers to bend their elbow 15 degrees which is what makes it so difficult for batsmen. The only bowler that is threatening England now is Saeed Ajmal. The teesra [Ajmal's third type of delivery] has a round arm [action] and that doesn’t seem to be a threat but doosra is the delivery that batsmen are all struggling with.

“The authorities are now allowing these mystery spinners, unorthodox off-spinners to bend their elbow to a degree. If they are going to be allowed to do that then England had to address this and decide whether we should be teaching our young spinners to bowl like that as well.”

Matt Prior, unbeaten on 70, dealt well with Ajmal today but refused to be drawn on his action. He said: “He didn’t bowl anything we weren’t expecting but he had a good day. We didn’t get it right and he bowled well so hats off to him.” Ajmal was cleared after being tested by ICC in Perth. After his action was deemed legitimate, he said: “I felt like I was carrying a 50kg bag on my head and decision has allowed me to throw that bag off my head.”