Ajmal doubtful for series opener

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Spinner Saeed Ajmal will likely miss the opening two fixtures of Pakistan's three-ODI series against Sri Lanka this month.

Spinner Saeed Ajmal will likely miss the opening two fixtures of Pakistan's ODI series against Sri Lanka this month.

Ajmal will soon leave Colombo for Brisbane, where bowling action tests will be conducted at the Australia National Cricket Centre.

The slow bowler's suspect arm action was reported by umpires Bruce Oxenford and Ian Gould, third official Richard Illingworth and match referee Andy Pycroft during the first Test against the Sri Lankans earlier this year. Concerns were cited over numerous deliveries.

"There is a possibility that Ajmal may join the team on 26 August," a PCB spokesperson told <i>ESPNcricinfo</i>.

"Although his test is scheduled for 25 August in the laboratory, it depends on how much time he requires there.

"If the process is completed in one day then he will take an immediate flight to Sri Lanka to join the team."

International Cricket Council regulations dictate that Ajmal must undergo testing – but is allowed to continue bowling until the results are ascertained.

The veteran Ajmal was reported for a similar suspicion in April 2009 – but was cleared a month later.

Sri Lanka's Sachithra Senenayake and New Zealand's Kane Williamson were, earlier this year, banned from bowling in international cricket due to illegal bowling actions.

The Sri Lankans and Pakistanis will meet for three ODIs – at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium – on 23, 27 and 30 August respectively.

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