Wasti hopes Ajmal clears ICC test

Former Test cricketer Wajahatullah Wasti hopes that off- spinner Saeed Ajmal clears his official ICC test saying Ajmal can only get an entry in the World Cup national squad if any player gets injured or misfit.

Ajmal will undergo official ICC testing in Chennai on January 24, to assess his remodelled bowling action.

If Ajmal's action is found to be legal, his ban from bowling in international cricket will be lifted but if he fails the ICC's Bowling Review Group (BRG) will specify a period during which Ajmal will not be entitled to approach the ICC for reassessment.

This is the second time the PCB has applied to the ICC for a date; earlier the PCB withdrew their request, despite being given the date of December 7, on the advice of the experts working with Ajmal.

Talking to APP, Wasti said Ajmal hopefully is fully prepared to clear his test.

"Ajmal's career though doesn't end with the World Cup, what is important that he continues to play cricket even after the WC," he said.

Wasti said pitches of Australia are very good for Ajmal as they have an extra bounce. "The bounce in Australia is always good for off-spin bowlers as there are greater chances of getting the batsmen to edge or miscue a shot," he said.

Asian Bradman Zaheer Abbas said Ajmal's absence would be widely felt in the WC as he is one of the greatest bowlers Pakistan has got.

"But nothing can be done until he clears his bowling action according to the ICC rules," he said.

Former cricketer Muhammad Wasim said the loss of Ajmal is a major setback to our bowling resources. "Now with Hafeez not to bowl in the World Cup, the whole combination of the team has been disturbed," he said.