Ajmal looks forward to Sri Lankan conditions

News

Cricket365
July 25, 2014

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal is determined to build on an impressive record against Sri Lanka, when next month's two-Test series gets underway.

Ajmal has taken 57 wickets in the longest format of the international game against the Sri Lankans – and August's fixtures in Galle and Colombo will bring plenty of opportunity to build on the prolific tally.

"I don't think wickets were supporting spinners in the last series versus Sri Lanka in the UAE. They were batting friendly tracks. On my last tour to Sri Lanka, I had 15 wickets, which means four wickets per match, which is not bad," said Ajmal.

"But there are always ups and downs in a career and I will try to perform better this time. Most Tests we play the wickets are flat and batting friendly, but a bowler should not feel disappointed with this."

The series will mark the veteran Mahela Jayawardene's last in Test cricket, who will remain available in ODI competition. Fellow stalwart Kumar Sangakkara, too, is nearing retirement.

"Both Mahela and Sangakkara are world-class batsmen and very mature players, but our team is also very balanced and we will try our best to beat them in their home grounds," added Ajmal.

"Yes, Sangakkara is a world-class player and my favorite batsman and he just crossed 1,000 runs mark in this year. But on the cricket field, there are no favorites, he will try to do his best for his team and I will try to send him back to the pavilion as quickly as possible."