Muralitharan was interested in my ‘doosra’: Saeed Ajmal

Karachi, Aug 15 (IANS) Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal said Saturday that Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan took a lot of interest in his ‘doosra’ delivery.

Ajmal was quoted as saying that he had exchanged tips with Muraltharan during the just-concluded tour of Sri Lanka, saying that it was really useful for him.

“We had a few chats, it was interesting and useful to talk to a great bowler like Murali. I asked him about some of his newer deliveries and his methods behind those deliveries. We talked about the importance of varying the flight and the pace of deliveries and he was particularly interested in my doosra and wanted to see how I bowled it and my grip when I bowled that delivery,” Ajmal was quoted as saying.

Ajmal said he was satisfied with his performnace during the tour of Sri Lanka, where Pakistan lost both the Test and One-day series.

“There was a lot of extra pressure on me as it was my debut Test series. I took 14 wickets at 30.07, which isn’t too bad against a team that plays spin very well and were playing in conditions that they were familiar with,” said Ajmal.

“The third test was very frustrating as the heavy roller used on the last day just seemed to flatten the pitch and it became lifeless. There was no spin, no pace and no extra bounce, unlike the first innings when it was very lively and assisted Danish and me,” he added.

Ajmal is hoping to play a major role in Pakistan’s campaign during a series of assignments lined up for the next six months.

“I’m looking forward to a nice two week rest and some time with my family before the training camps and trial matches start for the Champions Trophy. It’s a busy season ahead for Pakistan with the Champions Trophy, matches against New Zealand and Australia and then a tour of England next year where we will play against Australia and England. So, its important to fit in some rest,” he maintained.