Misbah unsure if Ajmal will be ready for WC
Pakistan captain Misbah Ul-Haq has suggested that it might to soon to expect offspinner Saeed Ajmal to return to the national side for the upcoming World Cup, which starts in Australia and New Zealand on the 14 February.
Ajmal has been cleared to resume bowling in international cricket after his remodeled action was deemed legal at the ICC official ICC testing.
The 37 year-old is however not in Pakistan's 15-man World Cup and could only play in the global event if he is an injury replacement to an existing player.
Skipper Misbah has admitted that there are a few injury concerns within the camp, but that it might still be to soon to call up Ajmal as he has not played any competitive cricket since December.
Misbah said: "Ajmal has been bowling a lot of deliveries every day. But the problem is that he has not been playing any competitive cricket. That is the major issue for him and the team management.
"Let's see how it goes in the next week. There are a lot of ifs and buts. The team is already announced and we're already here."
The major injury concern in the squad is allrounder Mohammad Hafeez, who himself is under a cloud with his bowling action and has a foot injury.
Misbah said: "We want Hafeez to play a major part of the World Cup. "But if he suggests that is not possible we have to take any step. It is totally up to the medical panel and the physio. Let's see in the next two or three days."
Pakistan's first match of the tournament will be against rivals India at the Adelaide Oval on the 15 February.
Latest
-
NewsBrendon McCullum took England job for challenge of improving ‘rock bottom’ team
The ex-New Zealand skipper should, pending visa approvals, arrive in the UK in time to lead a three-Test series against his home country next month.
-
NewsKeaton Jennings shines as Lancashire dominate Roses rivals Yorkshire
Jennings, Ben Stokes and Haseeb Hameed were all in excellent form with the bat in their respective matches.
-
NewsMichael Atherton believes Brendon McCullum’s appointment could be inspired one
The 40-year-old New Zealander is renowned as one of the sport’s most progressive thinkers.
-
NewsTaking on the world: The Kiwi who played his part in bringing glory to England
Brendon McCullum was the inspiration for England’s 2019 triumph, according to white-ball captain Eoin Morgan.
-
NewsA look at past overseas coaches of England’s Test cricket team
Duncan Fletcher, Andy Flower and Trevor Bayliss have held the role in recent years.
-
NewsWhat will Brendon McCullum bring to the England role?
The New Zealander will lead England’s men’s Test team into their new era.
-
NewsEngland appoint Brendon McCullum as men’s Test coach
The former New Zealand captain is understood to have signed a four-year contract.
-
NewsBrendon McCullum on the verge of being named England men’s Test coach
The New Zealander could be confirmed in his new role this week.
-
NewsHarry Brook eager to press England claims against ‘best ever’ James Anderson
The Yorkshire batter is relishing the chance to take on the Lancashire seamer in this week’s Roses match.
-
NewsEx-NZ captain Brendon McCullum favourite for England Test coach role – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have been interviewed for the position.