Ajmal: It's a batsman's game these days

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal feels the game is geared towards batsmen these days, especially in limited-overs formats, putting a lot of pressure on bowlers as the batters become more 'brazen'.
Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal feels the game is geared towards batsmen these days, especially in limited-overs formats, putting a lot of pressure on bowlers as the batters become more 'brazen'.
Ajmal, soon to be playing county cricket for Worcestershire, cited new shots in T20 cricket, like the switch hit, Dilscoop, and helicopter shot, as the reason for the pressure on bowlers, as batsmen are constantly innovating new shots.
Ajmal told Reuters: "Times have changed and there is hardly any respect for bowlers these days. The attitude and approach of batsmen has become more brazen and it has become very difficult for bowlers.
"Cricket is very fast nowadays and as a bowler you are always under pressure. Batsmen can attack in T20 or 50-over cricket from the start and as a bowler you need to keep coming up with something new in every match.
"T20 cricket is made for batsmen while in ODIs the five fielders inside the circle rule has brought pressure on the bowlers."
The 36-year-old is considered the best slow bowler in thew world, but even he had a tough time during the recent World Twenty20, taking just four wickets in four games, and going for a hefty 41 runs in four overs against the West Indies.
Latest
-
News
Women’s game on upward trend and schools an important target – Anya Shrubsole
The 30-year-old pace bowler was restricted to competing against boys during childhood.
-
News
Australia captain Meg Lanning taking break from cricket for personal reasons
The 30-year-old had been due to represent Trent Rockets in The Hundred.
-
News
Tributes pour in for former umpire Rudi Koertzen following death aged 73
The MCC said it was “saddened” to learn of Koertzen’s death.
-
England
Lisa Keightley to step down as England head coach at the end of the summer
The Australian took over in January 2020 and led England to the final of this year’s World Cup.
-
News
Chance to Shine graduates Lauren Bell and Issy Wong excited to keep on inspiring
The pair have enjoyed a memorable year so far with international debuts in multiple formats.
-
The Hundred
Jordan Thompson stars with the ball as London Spirit hammer Manchester Originals
Seamer Thompson, who took two wickets on his tournament debut at the Oval last week, followed that up with a remarkable four for 21 from 20 balls.
-
News
Sam Billings aiming to use England Lions game to push for Test recall
The wicketkeeper will captain the side for the tour match against South Africa.
-
News
Moeen Ali fears 50-over cricket could be lost due to ‘unsustainable’ schedule
The World Cup winner is worried people are starting to view the 50-over format as ‘the long, boring one’.
-
The Hundred
Alex Hales leads Trent Rockets to opening Hundred win
The former England opener hit 58 off 41 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.