Ajmal not out for revenge against Proteas
Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal says thoughts of revenge are far from his mind ahead of the Tests against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates this month, but he is confident of his side's record there.
Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal says thoughts of revenge are far from his mind ahead of the Tests against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates this month, but he is confident of his side's record there.
The Proteas won the last series the sides played, in South Africa at the start of the year, three-nil. On the other hand, Pakistan beat England three-nil in their adopted cricketing home last year.
Ajmal hopes his team will be able to emulate that performance, given the Proteas' number one Test ranking. Pakistan last won a Test series against the Proteas in 2003/4 though, and the spinner knows they will have to be in top form.
Ajmal said in Lahore: "There's nothing like revenge in cricket, but we will give them a strong reply. I can't say 100% Pakistan will win, but if we play to 100% we will win in UAE.
"Last time when we played in Dubai, England was No. 1 and we were at the same position and we performed well. Inshallah against South Africa we will try our best to perform as well as we did against England.
"We are going in with full preparation, we are focussed and we know it takes spin in Dubai, we haven't played badly in Dubai thus far and we will try to do the same."
Ajmal was modest when considering his own form, saying: "I can't say that I will take 20 or 40 wickets, but I am trying my best to be Man of the Series in the coming series."
Latest
-
Test cricketIndia tour of South Africa still on, awaits government approval
India’s scheduled tour of South Africa remains on schedule, provided the situation in South Africa doesn’t deteriorate.
-
Test cricketIndia could make three changes, Steve Harmison suggests
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has backed India to make three changes for the second Test against the touring New Zealand side.
-
South AfricaDuanne Olivier hoping to bring English skills to South Africa
Duanne Olivier is hoping to apply some of the skills he learned while playing in England to the South Africa domestic circuit.
-
The AshesAlex Carey set to make Test debut in Ashes opener
Alex Carey is set to be named as Australia’s wicketkeeper for the first Ashes Test against England at the Gabba.
-
AfghanistanLance Klusener to leave Afghanistan coaching role
Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener will leave his post as Afghanistan coach at the end of December 2021.
-
Test cricketAbid Ali steers Pakistan to convincing victory
Pakistan opener Abid Ali missed out on twin centuries in the first Test vs Bangladesh, but nevertheless steered the side to a routine win.
-
Test cricketSecond Test: Sri Lanka vs West Indies – Day Two scores
Follow Sri Lanka vs West Indies.
-
The AshesJos Buttler: Team that deals with distractions best will win Ashes
Rain has kept the visitors from their warm-up matches and Australia have faced the unexpected departure of Tim Paine as captain and wicketkeeper.
-
Test cricketFirst Test: Bangladesh vs Pakistan – Day five – Scorecard
Follow Bangladesh vs Pakistan
-
IndiaDelhi cricket officials question wisdom of multi-purpose stadium
A new stadium project doesn’t have the backing of the DDCA.