Bob Willis's criticism doesn't trouble me, says Saeed Ajmal

Tom Collomosse
17 Jan 2012

Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal today defended his action after he tormented England with seven wickets in the First Test.

The 34-year-old was cleared by the 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 the 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 the right-handed batsman.

Willis believes, however, that the ICC could be stricter on 'mystery spinners' like Ajmal - and if they do not, England should teach their own young bowlers to develop similar weapons.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Willis said: "The delivery that I have a problem with is the doosra. The ICC have accommodated this delivery - they changed the rules to allow these bowlers to bend their elbow 15 degrees which is what makes it so difficult for the 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 the doosra is the delivery that the 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 have 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 in Perth. After his action was deemed legitimate, he said: "I felt like I was carrying a 50kg bag on my head and the decision has allowed me to throw that bag off my head."